Armor: How effective was Chainmail

[M. Demetrius]

the chances of a blow breaking or fracturing bone and disabling an arm or leg are much greater with a more flexible armour.

Certainly true. And some kind of padding to absorb and distribute impact would make any armor more effective. As always, take a piece of metal, put it in contact with a shoulder or forearm bone, strike the metal with force and decide for yourself if padding was worn.