Went today for group paddle just wore FJ and thin base no tropos pants. Thin base layer and thick base kokatat over that with Gortex jacket. It was comfortable paddle. Water was 50-55 F. Got a bit of water in boot and dragging my hand in water and it’s cold. Would not feel safe alone with no drysuit at those temps. Glad warrantied kokatat suit arrives Tuesday.
I do not know if it really works, or is my imagination, but a compression shirt and thin poly boxer briefs under my wet suit feel warmer in the water than without. I think these slow the penetration and movement of water under the wet suit. I primarily wear the wet suit with hot air and cold water. When both are cold I go with the dry suit. On summer paddling trips to Lake Superior, a shorty wet suit is my swim suit.
Got new warrantied Meridian Expedition suit so wet suit goes back in the closet. Feel more comfortable non drysuit even at 65* water.