mabey it hasn't been long enough yet for most to notice and really look at the decision.
At low levels for me, Game as is, it is At1. I always find it to be a problem that No armor actualy ends up being more beneficial in the long run than wearing even Rigid leather types. on the average compared to AT 6-8 and 9-10 it is only a difference of mabey a couple concussion hits and and a the top of the list a difference of at most 15-20 points for an E crit. other wise you take hits and crits often alot earler than AT1.
once you get some skill under your belt at level 5 or higher, then I would move to At 16 and Full plate.
This is of course running the game as written.
In my own game, to off set what I think is an inconsistency in how armour works, I applying a straight up +20 DB bonus to ALL armour types save for AT 1. It still leaves AT 5 and ( most times still a little below or around the same as AT1 but For me, gives a better reflection for amours Damage reduction/deflecting abilities.
This is something I would seriously recommend ICE look into adjusting for the Next Version of RM. As Is. when you also Consider the Penalties that players take to various Movement maneuvers, missile attacks and Quickness, Most armours don't end up being worth it Until and unless they are magical, and most players skip them.
