ArenaNet:Guild Wars 2 suggestions/Customizable armor appearance

(Discussion)
This idea centers on player character individuality. In Guild Wars, there's a limited number of armor art sets for each profession, differing only in color. Some players already mix and match armor pieces from different sets in an attempt to look more unique.

As an improvement to customizing armor appearance for Guild Wars 2, the armor crafter should allow players to "craft" their own armor by allowing more options. It does not have to be a full-blown design system, just additional options to customize an armor piece before crafting it. This concept is similar to how guild capes are designed. Some example options could be:


 * Optional inclusion of shoulder or knee pads (right or left or both).
 * Customizable length or size of the individual armor pieces (length of gauntlets, length of skirt, size of shoulder pads, length of spikes, etc.).
 * Optional patterns or markings on the armor piece.
 * Optional protusions or decorations (such as ridges, spikes, cloth pieces, chains, etc.).
 * Primary material composition of the armor (leather-based, metal-based, bone-based, etc.).
 * Allow users to upload a very small image file (subject to review approval) to use as an emblem on an armor piece.

And as an extension to this, allow players to save and reuse armor templates for convenience.


 * Why this is a good idea
 * Adds individualism
 * More player input as to appearance
 * More player satisfaction with appearance
 * It has be done before. Makes each character unique and personal.


 * Why it may not work out
 * Additional development work that does not add to actual gameplay features.
 * Additional design work to attempt to cover all possible combinations.
 * Even more prominent armor art clipping issues compared to Guild Wars.