Hero class, waste of gold?

[Yvain]

I can't help but feel that you've completely forgotten about the Brass Helmet...

Stricktly speaking you are right to mention it, but I was talking about reality, not dream...

I.e. : The helmet Wardens usually wear is the open trooper helmet (+31) whereas the helmet sniper + t2inf wear provides + 37 armor.
So basically, going Warden makes you wear a weaker helmet. And it does make a difference