I was looking around and I couldn't find too much info on this, so I thought I would address it here.
Would there be multiple forms of the same type of armor?
There is a couple of reasons I ask this.
1) Some players have a theme for their groups i.e. Vikings, Bandits, Knights
2) Distinguishing allies or enemies would be simpler (Coloring armor could cause the same effect)
Also, you might want leather armor making you look like a man at arms rather than a brigand.
While not being raid based, I would want my friends and I to have to have the option to be Nordic or Viking themed. A generic armor system may not allow this. I understand having multiple designs for the same "Iron Helm" piece may be tedious, but I believe it would add a lot more individuality to the game.