I'll start off by stating that I'm retarded (see pre-year 2000 0311) and that drives a lot of my mindset. I run an esstac Daeodon with a pair of Large SAPI Hesco 4400's and my carrier with water bag, mags, IFAK, radio, etc my PC tips in at around 40lbs. I personally use my gear as a training tool in the rugged area where I live and in the past 2-3 years I have often considered getting lighter plates, but my Jarhead mentality is to keep the heavier plates, as they help me maintain my endurance under load and are, in effect, a training tool. Now, would I like lighter plates? Sure. They would help me move faster, breathe a little easier (my 4400's are curved, but they still suck) and offer the same protection as my 4400's; but, I force myself to keep using them. Has anyone else gone through a similar debacle? I am not AD anymore, I use my gear simply to stay as dialed-in as I can be and it's always good to have gear in case you need it. I appreciate any input.