In this light, IMO, mageplate js is the D2R Items best. It has a very low str req, with decent armor. For the caster, armor is not necessary since it won't strike enough to create meaningful advantages to the combatability. Therefore, putting points into str to meet the requirements does not make sense when you could place points into vitality instead. Therefore. using a mage plate is the best. It is second only to dusk/archon IMO.

Homunculus is not a rane word, so no worries for the basic. I prefer spirit, but only because it also gives castrate and I don't have an item that castrates therefore it's essential to my configuration. If you can find a 4 socket monarch, that's definitely the best option when you aren't able to locate Homunculus.

Mage plate is perhaps the most versatile and functional. I created my enigma using wire fleece and I want to use the best version of it or another excellent armor. I didn't like the look of the mage plate on my barb, or my dusk shroud. Now I'm losing number of vitality points that I needed to buy diablo II resurrected items make use of to boost my strength. It's not too bad however it's not optimal.