I'm here to report on my positive experience with the Ancient plate set and encourage others to try it with D&N on their radiant farms.
Sure, Normally I would just roll with chaos+gun-dmg perk+Swiftstrike buck; but I found that the run was incredibly easier and without stress with the ancient plate+health bonus+Swiftstrike buck. You can get hit a dozen times and just continue shooting and mop everything up no problem. Barely any need to dodge stuff. I don't think you will be hit by non-normal attacks if you use your head.
I have noticed that many people avoid that run, but I think even a novice player can easily clear it with this set. Worth a try.
I like to see knights trying unpopular gear. So thanks for posting.
The only thing that ever hits me in D&N is projectiles from void lichens. And the wiki says that they are piercing+poison. Do you not consider them one of the more serious threats?
(To clarify, I am not saying that I find D&N hard. Actually I've never understood its reputation. I usually speed-run until the last fight, which I bomb. But the void lichens do sometimes hit me.)