Just a note about the Shadow Archer Cuirass: if you buy it from the bandit leader, it isn't just "lower stats;" it actually has NO armor stats whatsoever. All it has are its skill bonus and the enchantment slots. The actual defenses may not be that important, but siding with the bandits means you're getting a much inferior Shadow Archer Cuirass.
However, the bandit is one of the few merchants who stocks Divine Charms, for whatever that may be worth to you.
