For a moment, forget that "Stats?" joke thread, because I think I may have a point here.

Look, if you play Medic a lot, you KNOW this class is lacking in diversity. We sometimes look in envy at the other classes with their B.A.S.E. Jumpers and Chargin' Targes-- the reason why few people play Medic is because it's not that interesting. Why can't the Medic, as one of the more vital parts of the team, have nice things? A good Medic can turn the tide of a battle just as easily and sometimes even more effectively than other classes, why is the Medic class so neglected? So many weapons and items to choose from as a Sniper, Soldier, Engineer, Heavy, Spy, Demoman, Sniper, and even Scout, yet not much variety when it comes to the Medic. Why?

Sure, this vest could be just ANOTHER featureless aesthetic-- or, if it could actually be USEFUL. Think of the Sniper's Darwin's Danger Shield, Cozy Camper, or Razorback for a moment. All items that buff a bit, perhaps at a cost of vulnerability and always a weapon slot. Would it be so strange if, say, the Vital Vest could be something to buff the Medic at a cost?

Seriously, consider this.

Imagine if that were the case; what would it do? Maybe it increases resistances to fire, blast, and/or bullets to make the Medic a bit longer lasting, but at the cost of his primary longer range weapon? Perhaps It could add health, increase uber rate, increase healing rate, up health regeneration, or even something else I haven't thought of? Maybe the costs are headshot vulnerability, slower uber rate, slower healing rate, less health regeneration, or something else-- look, by this point I hope you get what I'm saying. This item could be interesting, add diversity to the Medic class and maybe encourage more to join the team as a Medic. Don't you want to have a Medic on the team more often?

So honestly, not all items are fit for attributes, but I honestly think this item could have potential. Just because it's submitted as an aesthetic, doesn't mean it's limited to that. Then again, it's always up to Valve :P

TLDR: Could be an interesting buffing item in place of a weapon, the medic doesn't get anywhere near the sheer volume of what other classes get in weapons and items so why not?