1) That's just because he's a Knight of the Round first and foremost. His magic usage is secondary.
2) We get the option in some sense with some of the Coil gear. Not full armor but definitely has metal.
Shield-wise, that's not something FF's WHM or BLM would have.
They have a more traditional caster look.
It's just a hold-over from CNJ and THM, but it could be moved to a new class later on that would be more suited to it.
