howandwhy99
Adventurer
Looking back at this thread I can see how it might appear I was first replying to your post. I saw people posting on the topic while reading and decided to post by page 6.I getcha.
Thanks for clarifying!
I like to think declining AC is harder for the one calculating it (the ref), but better for the design of the game overall. Of course that depends on the intent of the game design. Regardless, the players try and roll high to hit, try and obtain lower classes of armor to better defend themselves, and take note of which rolled numbers are hitting others and which aren't.
Like any math there are all sorts of shortcuts and mental reminder cheats. And the only person who ever needs to know or use the system in the ref anyways. Players can feel it all out recognizing what armors are more durable, defensive, lighter, what creatures are harder to hit due to quickness and agility, and make necessary judgements on how difficult a straight up fight may be. Of course there are plenty of other factors to be on the lookout for besides just AC...