You can wear the gores if you want. Just keep in mind, you have to pump strength most likely anyway if you go CoA. If you skip CoA, then it's not as big a deal stat point wise. If you DO go CoA, you lose 25 dex = 25 vita on the dancers. You also lose 30 FHR which is almost the biggest hit, even more so than losing the 2 shadow skills. I consider dancers much better generally. BUT, you can make the build work without them. The build itself is flexible. I list desired goals for the assassin. Use those rather than my equipment. You WILL have to make up that FHR though.