If you are going for full Arcane progression + fulll BAB, EK is your only option. There are a few workarounds. Either burn 3 epic feats on the the Auto-Still feat series OR add the 3 Auto-Stills to your armor via the toolset. Another option is to use a maxxed out Sequencer Robe that gives the same AC as your metal armor. Robes are not technically armor and allows full Dex bonus. You may find your AC is higher with the Robes if your Dex is high.
If you are looking for full Divine (no armor spell fail) progression + full BAB, you can choose from Alaghar, Hospitaler, Fist of Raziel, Master of Shrouds, Sacred Fist. Most have alignment and or race restrictions. FYI: Master of Shrouds has the best summons in the game.
The Lich class or template may (??) grant the Auto-still series for free. I don't recall the specifics.