My friends and I back in the day did lots of armor based on what race made it and often what material it was made from.
Elves were able to make very "tough" armors from hides and special plants and such for example while dwarves made heavy tank like stuff.
It was a little more complex then we intended but we are not game designers either
But maybe that will give you guys a new idea on breaking armor types up both in terms of playability and artistic looks. Ranger wants to be one with nature? Go heavy elven "plate" made from living vines and bark. Or a gnome in his lightweight gear driven techngnome armor.
Just an idea.
