1. yes it gives little defense but not against caster "critics" , like dext prevents melee critics
2. yes they can, but it works differently than melee weapons with dext.
3. 30 str armor, especially if it is heavy armor
4. not sure about this one but it should be, yes !
to explain a little more #1 and #2
casters have critics depending on their amount of Int.
so a EE armor does not prevent much against caster mobs
