enchanting?

Didn't happen to notice a change in the Bonus % did you? : )

Have a crafter make you two inexpensive leather vests, I'm assuming
since you said chainmail vest you're a Mid, so get something a level 10
SB would wear for a few coins. Then get one of slightly higher level
and quality. Take them both to an enchanter and you'll see the 0%
bonus raised to maybe 5% or 15% depending on the quality and level of
the item. Now... even though I've played nearly 4 years now, I
couldn't immediately tell you what that bonus applies to whether it's
AF or imbued attributes once the item is spellcrafted. (If ever)

Some guys play this game soooooooooo intensely with the templates and
all that, trying to eeek out every possible last point and overcharging
things etc. that to me, it really becomes a nightmare of numbers.
While that's fascinating for some, I've always played the game with the
idea that my own personal cunning, style, aggressiveness or caution
would help tip the scales in my favor. Not solely relying on the
ultimate gear setup. Sadly the game has become somewhat cookie cutter
in recent years, because it became apparent that if you wanted to
remain a viable force on the battlefield, you *had* to have certain
armor and artifact weapons. (This leads into the whole ToA/Classic
issue which I don't want to talk about here.)

Anyway. try that litytle experiment and post your findings. I'd be
curious to see what you come up with.