Greaves and Vambraces in the rank and file

[MARCVS PETRONIVS MAIVS]

I think there's some validity to that last point you mentioned Wayne. Our guys going to Afganistan are buying tons of locally made kit. I wonder if the Romans did something similar, or used item A if it wasn't issued, but could be bought instead. Especially from local or the legion's armorers.

I reckon having a pair of greaves made by the local blacksmith at the vicus would not have been too difficult. Like I postulated above, the actual piece of kit must have been down to individual choice, paycheck and so on.