The Type 99A weighs 58 tons while being T90 sized. Abrams is just 10 tons heavier and is almost 20% longer. T90 thinned the front armor but the Type 99A still has ~1200mm of RHA (most sources can’t make up their minds whether this is with ERA or not.) in front. Are you saying it was more than 1200mm before they thinned it?
I am speaking in General. And Abrams varies based on versions and users the latest versions are more than 10 tons heavier. As for the Russian and Chinese tanks. But as a rule they give up degrees of armor thickness across the board for compact size. To make up for this they added ERA.
As for the Loader actually in combat conditions a autoloader is more consistent in loading speed vs a manual this is as the human after firing the well placed rounds has to go hunting for oddly placed rounds where the autoloader just cycles the next round.
The add ons are anti autocannon. They add an extra layer to existing protection and the chopper is strong enough to easily carry them. I don’t know what else would justify them for you.
The previous iterations sacrificed protection for performance. The PLA Z10 has been upgraded since then however these panels are questionable. You claim they offer defence from cannon fire. I point out they are small and don't offer much in the way of coverage gor the flight crew.
It's like claiming a car is arnord because the wind screen is bullet resistant well the doors, windows, tires and under body are unchanged.
You are going out of your way to laud a small set of panels as anti cannon and sure they might stop some cannon rounds but what about the windscreen? What about next to it.
"You say how well it won't hover in one place."
Well Duh!
But if it comes under fire from auto cannons it's not getting a quick three round burst. Most auto cannon fire in 10 round strings or more. And even if the panels stop an AP round you are likely to be showered with High explosive and other high calibre shells in the string of firing.
You’re lucky if you get one hit and there’s no way you can aim for the tail. The appliqué is there so even if you get lucky, your shot will bounce right off.
Where did you learn antiaircraft Space invaders?
Modern systems are radar guided and if you are in cannon range there is a lot more than one shot coming your way. Farther more the modern cannons are starting to go up the caliber range and penetration. The graphine plates may claim 30mm protection but is that 30x113mm 30x165mm or 30x173mm big difference between them. And then you get the higher calibers 35mm, 40x255mm cta, Bofors and above.
As for no way to hit the tail rotor. Don't need to If you destroy the tail boom it's on. You don't need to hit the spinning blades just the axial or the strut. A auto cannon would do that easily. And oh yeah even with modern sensors in the chopper targets like a Shorad can still pop up.