Interesting read. Was in 2019 and I went with Spartan Arms Lvl 4 ceramics. At the time, my budget didn't allow for what I got now. And IDK if Shotstop even existed in 2019. But you did ask me about damage during shipping or dropping. Shotstop is the only company to smash their Duritium plates (I have these) with a hammer multiple times, then shoot it and it holds up. Their claim is that no need worry about this kind of stuff.
I mostly asked to get your take on how your perception (what you knew) back then, and if it changed. That's why I have threads on my experience(s) over time. I use to have lengthy ones on training, ARs, etc on another site, but that site got shut down. It was interesting to go back every so often and see what I posted years prior. Things change, new informaiton, new products, etc.
At that time, I asked about info for travel as one main consideration I was looking for plates was for classes that required them where I would have to travel. VA and other east coast cities at the time. I asked same/similar questions of those who used plates "for a living" as well. Those folks weren't as concerned, but they also get "refreshed" every so often.
I currently have both steel and composite. The steels ones have the spall coating, and
may be getting shot soon(ish). I occasionally use the steel ones to "help" with some exercises. Not quite "the Murph", but along those lines.