Dysfunctional Rules X: I Cast Comprehend Rules

[RSGA]

Arcane Spell Failure only applies to spells with Somatic components, and is the only constraint affected by Armored Mage. Heavy shields prevent you from using that hand for material or somatic components independently of ASF. Arcane Channeling requires a weapon to deliver the attack. Consequently, the only conditions where the Duskblade's 7th-level improvement of Armored Mage applies to their Arcane Channeling is if they are doing it with a Shield Bash, an Unarmed Strike, a book-dived probably-Exotic hands-free weapon, or have more than two arms.

Wouldn't it also apply if the Duskblade has an Animated heavy shield since Animated notes that while you have a free hand to use you still take penalties associated with use and lists ASF? This is both a big and a small circumstance to me.