I doubt that the "goofy" descriptor was a real complaint. I'd bet it was just a comment on the armor's appearance. I can't imagine that any HMMWV gunner would rather go into harm's way without as much "goofy" looking protection as he could get himself into.
I remember feeling how miserable it felt to wear the old "Steel pot" helmet in Vietnam. Then again, I also remember wishing I had one big enough to crawl under when crap hit the fan. It's an inherent right of every soldier everywhere to complain.
