The big difference is that armor had, has, and looks to continue to have, a fairly conservative FC culture when it comes to actually putting ships into space.

Why does this matter? A few reasons:

1: Because as you get more experience transmitted between FCs and core players about what is an is not actually survivable, you gain better knowledge of how to set up and run fleets with "less" tank. This is largely due to faster clearing of high DPS ships, better application of what is on grid, etc.

2: The logi standards. When logi are used to being able to semi-coast, they will continue to semi-coast. Getting people trained up to not only fly but really pilot a logistics ship in a given environment takes time, energy and resources. The ships with the minimum tanks need to be on the field. They need that sort of challange to really blossom. There is less of that, and at a lower level than in shields.

3: The fittings. Most armor runs fits that origionated in TDF, with some level of modification. The problems with most TDF fittings have been expounded repeatedly. Suffice it to say that compared to shields, here I have personally anchored HQs with 1 mod and 1 t1 rig, the average fit gives up alot for little gain.

4: The midslot focus. Most armor fleets run a higher mix of effects that apply to the target, rather than affecting the hull they are generated on. These effects, which are essential to many armor doctrines normal runs, are useless to counterproductive in contests. This effect is compounded when the armor pilots do sacrifice gank for superfluous tank.