Starsector 0.97a is out! (02/02/24); New blog post: Simulator Enhancements (03/13/24)
I'm not super knowledgeable about armor, But I think higher armor means it takes longer to strip. So larger, but less efficient armor absorb the same amount of damage, but drop off slower allowing you in practice to tank longer while not affecting the utility of low damage per shot weapon.
I think what Mr. Nobody is trying to say is that we should make 10 a little louder and use that, rather than making the dial go all the way to 11.
I'd rather have the man ask for help himself, since I really can't imagine DR just running out juice.