>>96242469
>Valor bard is not a traditional gish proper, its just a character with casting that also has martial ability.
Isn't that what a Bladesinger is as well? They both have large degrees of casting (Valor Bards even get the entire Wizard, Cleric, and Druid spell list at level 10), both have weapons, both can use Extra Attack with cantrips, both have higher AC, and even both have a capstone that gives them more attacks with their weapons.
A bladesinger having armor proficiency has been a thing for a long time- back in the day they used to wear elven chain IIRC.