Like I said, I know very little, if anything at all, about mesh, probably to the point where I shouldn't be making such comments. Considering I haven't tried mesh, the fact I've followed a blatant urban myth and the depth of your explanation, I can't wrong you.
So, in reply to the OP:
Mesh
Good goggles (seriously consider fan models)
Glasses with bloody good protection (they leave little space to the point where it's impossible for a BB to fit though, but still be prepared to expect the worst).