I found this piece to be very useful on THF. The +3STR +2DEX an +3AGI helps Sneak Attack, Trick Attack and Weaponskills. I would not build TP in this sort of gear - but it was a good macro in for job abilities and ws. (I also used it on BLM for int and mp in body slot)
Often used for gearswaps to trigger a latent effect for Sorcerer's Ring due to the "Converts 25 Hp to MP" - the only other bodypiece for mages is the Dalmatica for this purpose, and obviously thats more expensive and harder to get.
For RDM soloing (and nuking in parties), this is actually better than the AF. However, make sure you have something to switch it out with with due to the MND -3.
