If that is true, wouldn't a simple solution be to add class restrictions to certain type of gloves? not sure if this is true for 5th edition rules, but I recall BG 1 and 2 having class restrictions on certain items? Though I might be misremembering things.. I mean, so far you do not even have to attune magic items to get their effects I think.. lol. I know you have a soft restriction with armour class, but if gloves are causing issues for barbs, isn't there a homebrew option available? I mean you can still wear items you are not proficient with and such. I am also wondering if we will ever see the staple items such as: giants of ogre power etc. and not just Larian homebrew stuff.