Why can't I "Need" this item?

[ispano]

No that is how it works. Scale mail is in no way tank gear. It does not have the defense of tank gear, and I die a little inside every time I see a tank wearing it.

I think you missed my point. The game considers it as such, which is why Lancer's can't hit need. It could have Crit/Det as secondaries and Lancers would still not be able to roll.