There are lots of gold charms in the wastelands, dropped and buyable (50k from Krozy). I had 6 gold charms before going to the wastelands, and found/bought another 60 before the end of the game (I was collecting charms).
You didn't list the armour class, but assuming they are comparable, I think the extra charm slots in the first set does more than make up for the slightly better bonuses on the second.
