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2nd edition rules are rather vague about weapon proficiencies (PHB p. 73, DMG p. 45). But basically the rules say most characters can become "proficient" (1 point) in any weapon they can use, whereas single-class fighters can become "specialized" (2 points). Anything beyond that appears to be an invention of the IE games, and therefore that's where we see the differences.
If I remember correctly, in 2nd ed. D&D, you could become more than "specialized", just depends on where you look. If anyone has the AD&D Core Rules program (great program for creating anythign 2nd ed D&D related), go to make a high level fighhter and check the WP
As for the fact that "they were nerfed"...well, no they were not nerfed. They were *balanced*. As Miloch said, a fighter could be a tad overpowered with level bonuses all around.
