AC vs hps for SK's Pallies, Warriors ?

[Snaggles]

My SK is only in the 20's at this point wearing full crustacean shell armor with silver chitin handwraps. For a tiny race that stuff has a ton of stamina and strength.

I hear AC is a bit broken on P99, maybe it's been proved more more theory but still. The STA to HP return ratio for knights isn't amazing at the low levels and from what I hear the AC of Crusty armor won't cut it for high level tanks due to being low AC.

Is it better go go full hps (rings, tattered mantle, etc) and as high AC as possible for the time being? Blood Ember is cheap with exception of the BP and leggings. Do you think that's best until Velious cultural or is Crusty armor actually not bad for mid 50's groups?

For record, I'm 99% a solo player and most the stuff is fear-kited. Figured I'd ask some opinions though [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]. Good to have a shopping list. Thx in advance!

Edit/context: On live I had a 65 SK. Raided in a mid-tier guild and had full Skyshrine and various luclin/pop pieces. Just don't see going that path again.