Huh. The last time I brought up something similar to this like this on the OTHER side of the fence (how dare I assume things aren't simple lines of code), I had several people calling me wrong because "I'm not a dev and don't have access to or knowledge of the code" and demanded proof that I did. which in and of itself totally isn't hypocrisy, so ...Would it be fair if I requested the same from you?
I'm not even sure I can agree that most people WANT casters/healers in heavy plate right now. The chance people get to pitch that idea in a contest and everyone goes for the same flowing robes, sashes, dresses, etc. I didn't really see a whole lot of "armor" lookin' stuff.
But I digress.
I'm generally on the side of "just because we can doesn't mean we should." While Lore might be a "pitiful shield" for such things, I do feel Aesthetics should very much be upheld. After all, Aesthetics are what separate classes. Strip away the particle effects and potency of abilities, and SMN is a BLM with a pet. MCH is a BRD with turrets instead of songs. It's not until we give them more defining abilities and aesthetics that they become their own thing*.
The Aesthetics that separate races right now are starting clothes, idles, facial features, voices, and select hairstyles. I would argue that starting clothes (the things new players see/have to use) are pretty integral to a race's aethetics. it's literally the clothes of the race.
There have been arguments made before that job-restricted items can be previewed on any class. If we were to give this argument consideration, then I must bring up the fact that you can't preview the racial clothes on different races.
*This is a very large over-generalization for the purpose of discussion. Obviously classes arent all copied from eachother.
