+1
We don't necessarily need to be taken to a shop where we can spend starting wealth to buy whatever items we want, but at the very least we should be able to choose between starting armors and weapons.
Importantly, Fighters (and Clerics) should have the option of starting with chain mail. Just as Dex fighters are harmed by starting with a longsword, Str fighters are harmed by starting with scale mail.
Fighter with 8 Dex wearing scale mail: 13 AC
Fighter with 8 Dex wearing chain mail: 16 AC
3 AC is a BIG difference.
