The moment you equip enigma your strength goes up to at least 111 str. For example on a necro you need to get at worst 30 points of str and 20 at best if you only have a torch.If you have a 15 attributes torch you need 25 str which you can get quite easily even without spending any points. I think the main reason is really just the low str requirement. Your explanation enforces that particular confusion. I am not disputing that Mage Plate has a place as Enigma base, I am just wondering why it's everyone's go-to. It could work for the ultimate min/max build with the best utility items available, but it honestly seems even more like a misunderstood choice to me when you put it like this.

Relying on perfect anni/torch for your build while incurring gear penalties that could be avoided with a few points in str, which also enables a better def value on the base? Even so, this means that you cannot equip War Travelers, Herald of Zakarum, Trang Gloves (unless over 15 base str), and probably many other relevant items, without relying on even more str-items or conceding points into str, which would defeat the point of your argument. I didn't consider the anni/torch combo, but that only really works in the slim case where you are not equipping ANYTHING that requires str above 55-70 str (barb with 30 base is best case scenario, 15 str is worst case).

I definitely understand wanting to stat vitality above strength.

Mage plate enigma diablo 2