I dunno if this is a good suggestion or not, but I just randomly thought of this idea.
How about developing a set/line of armor that inflicts some damage to an enemy that attacked you? It wouldn't resist any statuses though. The damage dealt back would probably only be a fraction of what the monster inflicted on you, but just a small bonus in case you are hit with an attack.
It could be called the "Karma Armor" or something.
I forsee many problems with this armour. Mainly with the damage dealt back part (that's gonna be masiivley nerfed). And how would it evolve? And into what? Try to flesh out the entire and line and it may take. Sorry, but thats my only suggestion for you (The rest are questions)