There should be an option to switch the stats from one item of gear to another, so the appearence changes, but the stats are the same, so you can make your guardian look however you want but still have the stats. If anyone remembers cartoon network's online game 'Fusionfall', then you will know of this feature. It allows for you to customize your character with any items in the game, but still keep the stats. I think they need to impliment this, because when you get really good gear, then you guardian will always look the same, and the only change you can make is to the color with shaders, and even thats limited, there should be a color pallete you choose colors for parts of you body. (like in warframe)