Quote Originally Posted by satorian View Post
Mithril chain shirt and Mage Armor (and luminous armor and such) obviate that whole class feature. Wizards (and sorcs) often have the best AC in a given party without armor. Even at low levels, Alter Self - Troglodyte (+6 NA), Mage armor (+4), Shield (+4), Usually Dex (+1), a Wiz is at 25. That's better than full plate + Shield.

Also, at higher levels, not only can Wizard get his AC higher, but as AC stops mattering as attack bonus outstrips it, the Wizard can get Miss Chance from his spells, which is far more useful.
Yeah, warmage spell list is short on defensive buffs (and buffs in general). Which is another reason for them never to be close to the enemy.