IMO they could have two separate slots, one for the stats/armor you have equipped and then another that you can put armor into for vanity and display it instead of the actual "equipped" armor in said slot.

This still keeps people getting new gear (better gear) but it still allows them to keep any "look" they want for any equippable slot.

To balance it out you can just make it where it can only be used with the same type, so if you are wearing heavy armor in those slots, you have to wear heavy armor in the vanity slot, if you are wearing light, you have to wear light, etc.

That way you won't get "light armor" looking people who are wearing heavy armor and you are left wondering "why on earth are they so tough!"

Touches on why I'm of mixed feelings here. The gear you dissed as a clown-suit was someone else's idea of a 'cool look.' The gear you think looks cool, is a clown suit to someone else.

So on the one hand, I don't want to see anyone stuck having to wear what they think is a 'clown suit.' OTOH, y'all are going to look like clowns to someone anyway...

I can't argue with the sixism in your post without breaking terms of service

Science is just Magic that has been codified and industrialized. You're thinking of 'miracles' instead

As I understand it, every racial style is similar - anything craftable can be done in any of the 'racial styles' known to the crafter, and it's appearance is reskinned to the racial style.

I like both systems. When playing TOR I really liked that I could keep whatever armor I decided looked coolest as long as I wanted. I also liked it was fully customizable with the stats I wanted and none of the ones I didn't want.

That said, I also like the system of upgrading to new armor even if didn't look as cool as my last set. There's a certain fun to fitting your gear together like a puzzle to get the most out of it.

Regardless, I chose the last poll choice.

Grow and learn young padwon, one day you will understand. Maybe.

no thank you adaptive armor was pretty lame instead just give us a costume outfit screen problem solved

Given the disguises in game and Imperial's ability to transform equipment to imperial style and the cash shop, you can bet that in some way or other, vanity options will be available.