All exotic armor does is increase build diversity and improve certain play styles. If competitive Destiny ever becomes a thing (I'm still doubting it, but we'll see), having no variety in build composition will make the scene boring. If it's a few exotics in particular, such as No Backup Plans or Impossible Machines, why can't we just ban those troublesome armor pieces? This would allow everyone to use builds that aren't over-the-top while still having some variety in how they choose to spec their loadout. If we're allowed to use exotic weapons, I don't see why we can't use exotic armors. Thorn is better than the average hand cannon in the same way that Nothing Manacles are better than the average gauntlets, for example. Both items do what their legendary counterparts can do [i]in addition to[/i] their exotic function. I'm not about to claim that I'm the most competitive player ever, so if someone wants to show me the error of my ways please be my guest. I just think this whole thing is silly. [spoiler]Forgive me for any typos, as I'm on mobile atm.[/spoiler]