[Arkcon]

Most of the TDM modpack races research scattering armor early as well. In the standard game, AI races may take a while to research it, but once they have, they start using it.

Still, an enemy ship returning from a battle you didn't take part in may have been stripped of its armor, and you can glean a ship design to see what you'll be up against. Its fun to have, but I wouldn't make it a priority research.