Make it an option, PLEASE!
Having it as a feature where you gradually get damaged armor displeases both sides.

The ones who like to look like gleaming angels and those who like to look like gritty dogs of war.
Plus i mean when Nurgle armor comes about thats always in horrid conditions, so i dunno how one could even implement it there.
It makes those who want to look a certain way unable to do so 24/7, especially the people who like their worn out look.

Plus im sure its an easier job overall then making the server keeping tab on everyones current cosmetic look and constantly changing it.

I do like the dynamic battle damage option, but as was said, in most cases it's really just going to end up you looking haggard for about five seconds before you die. I think I prefer the customization of ragged armor.

Though if the dynamic battle damage can show up a bit, I personally would also like that.

Wear & tear as a cosmetic (ruggedly-look), but real damages (craters in the armour, half-missing shoulder pad) as a damage-state für the armour would be cool,

Great !! Thanks for your input guys : )

We are working (at last) on replacing the temporary "Energy Shield" effect we have right now when taking damage with more of an "Armour getting hit" effect. Your comments helped me a lot as I'm bringing some ideas on the table for the new system. At the same time as we are doing a quick second pass on Effects, we are starting to adjust a few things to better communicate the health state of your allies/enemies, without telling too much (we decided to hide the enemies' health bar for a reason).

Mmm.. I guess I am way out of topic for this thread
Which thread I should move this to? You know the forum probably way better than I do

Well seeing as it concerns design, i guess Ask the Team?
That is if you referred to moving the discussion not the topic, id reckon the OP made this thread in the Generals for a reason.

Can....we have both? ;>.> Maybe just switch the animation to be somewhat limping if you're damaged, even if you're still moving at the same rate?

If I had to choose though, I'd go with customization. After all, it's far more likely that our characters didn't have a chance to redeploy and repair their armor since whenever they were last deployed than not.

Also because this:

How about the damaged textures don't reset when you get healed? If you see someone, then you know he was in a fight and survived it. If someone comes with shiny armour... well^^

But in the End, I would also be fine if it was only a skin.

I heard they are remaking the armor and health mechanic.
The first i thougt was that the armor will not regenerate, but will also not drop so fast.
It reduces the damage to the health, but under fire it will lose parts of its bar.
The lower the armor, the more health damage you get.
The lower the armor, the more damage is visualy displayed on the character.
To get back to full armor:
1. respawn
2. let it be repaird in a outpost with the right tools
3. Techmarine ( after launch )
4. salvage (orks)

Eldar might regenerate armor, but not health, makes them more durable in qick fast attacks, but vunerable to long firefights.
And lore wise i think their armor regenerates also...unless i am wrong

Yep. At least for SM, CSM and Orks it should be HP that's regeneratting (albeit very slowly), not armour. Eldar on the other hand use psychic wraithbone, so they should have regenerative armour, not health.

And yes, for armour regeneration of the first ones you should respawn or repair actively (outpost, Techmarine, something like that).