Tip- when you obtain green or blue armor from patrols, strikes or whatever the case may be, complete bounties, equip the green and blue armor, turn in completed bounties (with armor equipped) so that you unlock the upgrades, but DONT actually spend the materials and upgrade them. Break them down... You'll get 3-4 plasteel per upgraded armor. Sometimes even 5.... I was in the same boat until I learned this trick... A green armor will fully upgrade with a 2500 bounty... Also I think if you do this to exotic or legendary, you get more shards... Takes much longer