I've been experimenting with this, and armor doesnt help too much. Sure, you get some phys defense bonus, but it wont really make a difference unless you're getting hit for large bursts. When you're fighting mobs, you can usually pot inbetween. Right now, i'm sticking with protector because it looks cooler and because of the lessened mana costs

. If you're pure int, you should fight on stuff you can 1hit anyway.