You just described the system I was hoping for somewhere down the raod of development. I was hoping they wouldn't bother changing things around until they had finished finalizing the system, but at least we can say they are taking a few steps in the right direction.

I think what they tried to do here is that since we dyed our armors to get certain stats, they didnt want to just take the stats away from us. However, with the system we are asking for is if the Felt Robe with the stats can only add a bit of a change in appearance along with the stat changes, since the stats make it a completely different item in the first place.

Example:

Felt Robe will have normal appearance. +Free Color Change

Felt Robe of Power/Healing will have some decorations or added shape to alter appearance. +Free Color Change