LazarX, even without flying there is a restriction on barding that does not exist for armor. It takes 5x as long to put barding on as it does armor.
There is no rules (just perceived RAI) as to when to use barding vs regular armor.
Problem with this answer is that it ignores both the original 3.5 rule (where Barding was it's own separate restriction from encumbrance) and the fact that Barding is a subset of armor.I actually don't see why either of those points are relevant.
3.5 rules can give a nice history of events leading up to the present, but PF has deviated from those on many occasions.
And I don't see why barding "being a subset of armor" matters at all. We both know that PF has many specific rules that override the general.
But I also don't personally have a Pegasus in this race (see what I did there?), and would be fine whichever direction they decided to go.
With both Mark and John being aware of this debate, I'm hoping an answer will pop up in a Blog or FAQ sometime in the near future.
You are right, but seeing what existed before when they made the decision to remove the rule(s) does have value.
It may guide their decision when they make the FAQ.Note: I agree that if things were clear "today" that referencing 3.5 rules is irrelevant.
I don't have a Pegasus in this race either (yup, very nice). In my own games I eliminate all rules relating to Barding altogether (there is just Armor).
I consider flying mounts to be classified as quadrupeds in regards to carrying capacity in most situations (despite giant eagles having two legs and two wings...)-this allows them to carry more than a flying humanoid of the same size.
This usually helps a LOT with encumbrance.
My two cents.