seems like a pretty dramatic turn around IMO - Edit 1
Before modification by darius_sedai at 19/11/2010 09:39:31 PM
Birgitte probably realizes that limiting herself tactically isn't a good idea. Also, I think she's going to get hurt protecting Elayne - Elayne came close to killing the both of them via the Warder bond in TOM, and I'm starting to be curious about whether they will survive TG.
While I won't be surprised if Birgitte dies (she's mentioned often enough about how she and GC usually went out in a blaze of glory), I think the sword carrying was an oversight.