steel could be used for backtanks, and divin helmet and boots. the steel backtank would have a model similar to the netherite one, covering the arms too. this would allow for custom creation for modpacks, for example, full steel diving gear could make you immune to the virulent mix from the unrdergaten mod. also it would just be a more durable option for diving gear, without being as broken as netherite, being an in-between.

I like this idea too. It lets the player avoid the rush for netherite for caving in harder modpacks and also in general is a pretty neat progression -- letting the player use pre-netherite materials together depending on needs.

also first time on github, sorry for no tags.