Forgive any AI sloppiness , just had this idea and think this is a good enough representation to convey the concept. Since it seems armor is here to stay, I think the system should at least feel like a dark aether mechanic.
Following the same concept as giving the ammo boxes a new coat of paint, imagine if armor became an 'Essence Barrier.'
Instead of the animation of applying armor plates exactly like warzone, the character would perform a quick spell to cast and restore the barrier.
The wall-buy locations could be redesigned with a fantasy theme, or even appear as shimmering energy fields.
There could be different colors pertaining to the rarity or it could always remain purple since it is an "essence barrier" and the wall buys could just maintain the green-blue-purple outlines.