@red ibex or anyone, Why not do the ring connection to the pauldrons under the top piece, basically the second piece, so that when you where your chest/back piece the connection is concealed? Wouldn't that be a better design?
#Pauldrons
echo burrow
autumn lark
depends on where exactly your thinking of canceling it. you really don't want any hardware directly against your skin (or under garments, even a gambison wouldn't be enough protections. Leather is heavy, even if using lighter weight.