Nah, Half elves get shields so they are one of the best for casters, at least for me. It's also funny that even if you psam crossbows, the game takes the equiped shield AC into account. It doesn't hurt that they are the best looking race of the "basic looking races" either. Then, it's stru that an actual min maxer would get a 2llv fighter dip so they would get shields too, but depending on progression that dip will take a while and you feel the weakest in early game so... yeah.
not being able to be charmed is pretty useful in this campaign too...