Given the fact that anyone can use scrolls, Mage Armour lasts until long rest, and literally the first room you spawn into has a Mage Armour scroll, the best early defensive move for a Ranger is 100% always to go 16-17 DEX, strip naked the second you wake up, loot the first room and cast Mage Armour on yourself for 16AC, +3 on attacks, +3 on damage with any Finesse weapon (the nautiloid now loots multiple scimitars and a corpse in the downed ship has a rapier). Which is dumb, but there you are.
The only practical (I use the term loosely as it's logically insane) reason not to do this is because without at least 10 Strength you can't pick up any decent medium or heavy armour later on. Even if it's within you carry capacity. Because reasons.
Yup, I can walk around all day with this 80lb backpack, but gee this 19lb splint mail is a no go...
