I'll freely state that swords are better than daggers at full range, because objectively, they are. However, daggers are unquestionably more maneuverable at close range.
First off, pulling the arm back isn't something I'd recommend. It drastically lowers the accuracy of the sword and puts the fighter in an awkward position with less control. Opening the gap is generally the safest option.
And all of those options (drawing the hand back, opening the gap, switching to half-swording) take time to execute. They don't happen instantaneously. That's why swords are slower when you're fighting at very close range. To maneuver them into a position where they can threaten or block the opponent requires time. During that time, the dagger fighter is trying to stab the swordfighter silly.
The main thing that a dagger fighter needs to deal with is that moment of gap closing. Obviously the swordfighter really doesn't want to let the dagger fighter close, so it's an adrenaline-filled moment. The swordfighter will be trying their hardest to run me through while they still can. And I'm trying to get their sword out of the way for juuuuuust long enough to invade their personal space. But I enjoy that rush, that moment of tension before I'm past their sword, so daggers are my weapon of choice.
Now of course, sword + offhand dagger is superior to both daggers and swords, since it functions well at both ranges. When I had the option, I used sword+dagger over any other combination.
But if I had to choose one or the other, I'd pick daggers without hesitation.
I can fully understand why others might prefer a sword, but for me, daggers are more fun.
Why would changing postions between stances take time? Its an instant motion, we're not talking about changing a cars tires, switching between a regular guard position to halfswording can happen literally in under a second. Why would pulling your arm back be awkward? There are techniques that specifically demand it....like half-swording
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