My firstgear mesh jacket came yesterday from newenough.  I suited up and rode to work today.  The difference was striking.  When I got to the office my skin wasn't raw from the wind.  I never knew what a difference it would make.  It wasn't hot until I got off the bike and started walking.  I'm much more visible(RED jacket).  I'm more comfortable.  There's more comfort knowing that I have impact padding between me and the road.  
I'm covered from the waist up and the ankles down.  Still looking at pants options.

I hope that I never *REALLY* need it.

take a look at the new icon pants, www.rideicon.com

I've never been crazy about mesh jackets (no abrasion resistance), but I can total understand your reason. I used to lived in North Carolina by way of Apex (high school) and Boiling Springs (college) and the humidity and heat is nasty there. You want all the air you can get.

Texas is hot, but dry. I have a Belstaff Zodiac Textile jacket (lots of zippers for ventilation) and I just received my Belstaff Frontier cordura pants (weatherproof) and Belstaff Air Flow leather gloves w/ knuckle guard (necessary for track day ) from my recent purchase on eBay.