for armor I'm thinking of doing auto-phoenix, auto-haste, auto-protect, and ribbon.
or should I do break HP limit instead of auto-protect?
Auto-Phoenix is decent however you'll need to have a supply of Phoenix Downs at all times, which is a non-issue usually.
Auto-Protect cuts ALL physical damage in half, and more monsters tend to use physical damage attacks rather then magic-based attacks. If an attack is going to hit and do physical damage (unless it ignores status protection), and hits for 5000, Auto-Protect will force it to only do 2500 instead. Also Auto-Protect is factored AFTER your natural Defense stat so it effectively allows you withstand physical hits even beyond 255 DEF.
Break HP Limit isn't really necessary because most of the Dark Aeons, Nemesis, and Penance usually hit for 99,999 for most big attacks anyways so at that point the game becomes a one-shot fest, and you are heavily relying on the instant revive of Auto-Phoenix to stay in the game.
Auto-Haste doesn't need an explanation, easily the best ability to have on armor in the game.
Auto-Ribbon while a great ability on paper, however there are very few enemies in the game that have such debilitating attacks such as Bad Breath from Malboro's would necessitate it's need at all times, also there are some monsters that ignore status defense, ignoring Ribbon's effect.
My personal preference is to have two characters with Break HP Limit, Auto-Protect, Auto-Haste, and Auto-Phoenix...and a 3rd character with Auto-Ribbon, Auto-Protect, Auto-Haste, and Auto-Phoenix, that way you'll have two HP Juggernauts and one Status Protector who can use a Remedy or Esuna on reaction to cover all bases.
