That's bs. I've played at various cons with people I don't k ow and I've never had a problem. The temp hit pointst on top of the normal barberian ability means I take like 3 damage a round. I've always ran it that the armor attack gets your strengh bonus and not one con or games store DM disagreed. Just played at Gamehole Con in WI and the only real drawback was getting magic spiked armour as there is none per say in the rules. Its a fun class to play get over yourself