First off, thanks all for chiming in.

The reason we're debating if it should just be shield or shield and three other weapons is that as it's been pointed out, shield is harder to get. If you don't multiclass (or have the option) then two feats is the soonest you can get it. Thus why we're debating the inclusion of a +1, and what the worth of the shield really is.

Wizard/sorcerer can score elven chain, and I can't see a mountain dwarf wanting to spend 2 feats to get the shield. Both cases you have medium armor without the shield.

Some things should be hard to get, I'm torn on this one, thus why I'm asking folks on here.