Also, it totally makes sense that a shield weighs more and costs more than a suit of chain mail, right? ;-)
No, at least for me. Historically A suit of chain mail is pricier and havier than a shield. Even in fantasy world this rule applies too. Maybe you can say that shield are clumsy, as you have to sacrifice the mobility of one arm to use it, but it isn't heavier.
Also, you don't specify if the shield is made of wood or steel, but, in both ways, they are cheaper and lightier than a chain mail.
In other hand,on Chapter 17, page 206, about making monsters, it's stated:
"What is its most important defense?
Leathers or think hide: 1 armor
Mail or scales: 2 armor"
Why mail and leather gives only 1 armor for players? Again, both history and fantasy portrays that chain mails gives you better protection than leather armor.
Speaking of which, any thoughts on the magic items we've added and the revisions we've done to the existing set?
I take a look in some ones... I'll take a better look about them =)