[Animayhem]

Robes are already their own piece, so you can have a robed full plate character. As far as being able to just make any type of armor look like anything, I think the way it's done right now is perfect. Chest piece determines AC, and the rest is up to you.

Yes but in the method I described you do not have to worry about the ac aspect. The appearances change not the properties.
If you want the ac back you have to pay for it.