Trying to do the Math: AC vs. -DFE?

[Hammerskjold]

One of my warrior had a Saint Wolf FPM, and I think that was the highest AC plate he ever wore.

How about option 2a. A fast block shield? (IMO Holy Defender > Stormshield. Hell, even a magical fast block shield can do.)
If you have enough DEX you can have perfect block IIRC. With the respectable AC numbers that may help too.

Possible Cons:

- You will need to do the gear switch dance. (Bow to shield\weapon)

- Still melee range, obviously.

- If you're relying on the Obsid bow for maxed resist, mixed mobs (magic ranged + melee) can be a big problem. Gotta separate them or be very careful. (Unless you have the high AC+Max resist jewelry gear setup that is. But hunting for high optimum gear can get tedious sometimes.)