Heavier gauntlets increase the damage of your punches. They are still weak, but heavy gauntlets will do more damage than a punch with leather gloves. Should kicks increase damage if you have heavier foot armor? It makes sense that an iron greave would hurt your shins more than a leather boot...
I don't see a lot of people (even those in plate body armor) use some of the high tier leg armor. It's largely neglected by all classes. If this change was made, maybe it would lead to more diversity in choice of leg armors. With nudges and more combat maneuvers on the way, I think this is an idea worth exploring.
Thoughts?