Has anyone had success using a clownsuit out the gate as a survival prime (or anyone else who uses stealth at melee)? I'm looking for a setup that can be bought in normal shops, and will allow me to train all the armors and stealth without having to shift what I'm wearing around as I hunt. Is this even feasible?

But you think stealth hindrance will be low enough in that setup to hide at melee against at-level critters as survival primary?

If it works, I guess my only concern is the learning rate for light armor (which I'd probably eventually want as my primary armor type). Recently I have been bringing a character from every guild up to about 10th circle, to get a good feel for them all. I have been using your suggested setup (as far as coverage goes) with different armor types in the different places for my various characters, and despite what the handy Elanthipedia armor guide says, I find it teaches: torso+arms > legs >> head/eyes/neck >>>> hands. I suppose it isn't /that/ big of a deal though. I have a Warmie that is nearing 20th circle, and the armor I use for my hands is probably 20-25 ranks behind the armor I'm using on my torso+arms, with the others at points between.

>But you think stealth hindrance will be low enough in that setup to hide at melee against at-level critters as survival primary?

Absolutely not in any way.

You're going to have to either swap gear, or simply remove parts, to hide. You're also going to need to strip off the plate/brig to retreat at all.

A lot of people simply wear a full light suit, and swap greaves in/out to train chain, plate, brig.