[Loki]

Mana regen based on armor just ensures there will be use for all armor types.

Sorry, I just don't agree, if mana regen was different for different armour types only the best mana regen would be used, because magery is mobile and threatening on the move and going out of mana is a disaster. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but that's what Sphere style is I'm afraid.

Any thoughts on increasing the AR amount on other types of smith armor? All I ever see is platemail. I personally like wearing ring and chain both, but the AR just isnt there.

I'm not familiar with the current AR values but if Taran doesn't object I don't mind closing the gaps up a bit so the "penalty" of using mail is very very small, i.e. yes willing to raise their AR a bit (I assume from what you are currently saying it is not).