Another primary consideration in introduction & eventual disappearance of Segmentata?

[Dan Howard]

Consider some of the benefits of mail compared to segmentata

It provides a similar level of protection but covers more of the body
it is arguably more comfortable and is definitely faster to put on and take off
There are only three basic components (open ring, solid ring, rivet)
It doesn't need to be as closely tailored - an arsenal only needs to stock a few standard sizes
It is easier to repair and maintain
A field repair can be made with a twisted piece of wire
Less spare parts are needed
Few tools are needed
It is easier to store and transport
It has greater longevity so can be passed down to many more generations of soldiers.

So if you have one entity paying for all the costs of armour and having to handle all of the infrastructure and logistics required, from the manufacture through to its ongoing storage and maintenance, it seems to me that mail would cost more in the short term but segmetata costs more in the long term. It would be in the state's financial interest to phase out segmentata and concentrate on mail even though it costs more to manufacture. When the soldiers were allowed to choose their own armour they would want the cheapest armour available because they aren't interested in long term costs.