as we level our heroes, we get color swatches. for me, i find that the orientation on the hero's armor may not be quite what i like and i'm sure many others feel the same way. so my suggestion is:

1. do away with preset color swatches
2. implement a color palette where colors, originally from the swatches, will be unlocked through progression
3. give players a blank swatch in which we can apply any unlocked color to the three areas of the swatch (primary, secondary, tertiary/trim)
4. remove role restrictions on colors (neutral, attacker, defender)
a.) i suggest removing the restriction because no one really pays attention to armor color. instead they're looking at the orange/blue indicator next to the health bar.
b.) i don't feel this will affect realistic/limited-ui modes seeing as how if a player isn't highlighted when entering guard-stance there's no impact on combat
5. give us the option to mix and match material types from all materials we've unlocked

i make these suggestions due to the fact that, at some point, every player of a common class will have the same gear. we need something that will further distinguish ourselves from on another, even with the future implementation of "masks".

if "saleable" items are a concern, by all means keep a few color/pattern options reserved for premium outfits. ranging from polished metal materials to silken/hi-gloss fabrics for outfits.