That always struck me as peculiar. And if you take that armor perk in Alteration, you have no choice but to take enchanting if you want gloves and boots with stats.

there's a white fur pair of like resist shock 60% in the Arhcmage quarters when you become Archmage. I really want a pair of gloves in the same style because those go with the archmage outfit so well.

http://www.witchqueensia.com/gallery/d/59345-1/TESV+2012-01-22+19-52-22-82.jpg

A shot with the boots.

I was wondering the same thing TC, the CK can't come soon enough.

That's an...interesting oddity. Hadn't thought too much about it, since I usually go into enchanting (especially as a mage, just a tad too painful without it).