They're state-military issued jackets, which means they have to wear them because the State wants to show it cares about its soldiers, even if the soldiers themselves know it does jackshit against the cold! But hey at least they look fabulous!
Before Daioying Zhanshi LT with a couple decoys and a basic Zhanshi hacker was an okay choice unless you were a crazy minmaxer with Keisotsu
Fuck yeah fur coat Zhanshi and Ski Goggle Fusilliers. Did not see the Orc coming. Aquila Guard took his little bro shopping for a coat :D
Actually, I do in IA. I usually play a defensive link with 3 Zhanshis, 1 Haidao Sniper and 1 ML bot. It makes wonders against the right opponent / deployed in the correct place (i.e. not seen by the whole table and covering an alley or an objective). I also have a couple of jank lists with multiple Zhanshis hacker because reasons; but I can't consider this a valid point though. x)
It's a popular choice in IA, matches well with the Mowang/Daoying or the stupid 6 orders in 3 orders group 2 meme.
From the blurry pictures I'd say PanO looks way more attractive, but I'll wait for HD photos to be 100%.