I currently have a size Large Interceptor vest with soft inserts, no hard plates.

I will likely be doing all of my ordering through Bulletproofme.com unless there are some otherwise upstanding recommendations that will sell freely to civilians or CCW holders.

I was thinking of buying 10"x13" Level IV Standalone plates to put into my current vest which would be a worst case scenario vest to be used in a situation such as a widespread "WROL" (LA Riots, Katrina, massive earthquake, etc).  The benefit to this would be that should I choose to move them into a lighter setup such as a Crye JPC, they would still have full protection without the need for any sort of soft backer.  The problem with a Level IV standalone is obviously weight.  With just the vest and plates, no pouches, mags, etc, I am going to be at almost 30lbs, easily 40lbs once molle gear starts getting strapped all over it, and while i'm in good shape and often exercise with a 20lb vest on, I know how much quicker you fatigue and how much slower you move when wearing something that heavy.

Also, as I am trying to determine concealability vs. threat, if I were to feel the need to wear armor in the case of meeting an unknown person for a sale or transaction of some sort, or if there had been threats at work, I am trying to decide on the pros and cons of Level II vs. Level IIIA in a GoldFlex with a full side wrap, no overlap.  The published thickness difference is .9mm, which seems like nothing, but I haven't had to wear concealed armor for any length of time.  Would one be any more or less visible under a polo shirt, or is it going to require wearing a light jacket over the top in an attempt to not scream "THIS GUY IS WEARING ARMOR OMGWTFBBQ!:!>!?!"