Seriously. It's junking up my inventory.
Let me sell (trash) my proto gear
Simple solution would be a * filter option - filter your inventory list by 0* and above, 1* and above up to 5*.
Or, each player gets a Vault where they can shove temporarily unwanted/reserved gear/CR/CE. Preferably with multiple nameable containers.
Ugh, FINALLY. SOMEONE other than me with the idea of personal Vaults. WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU!?
I have trouble keeping things in my inventory, cuz I keep giving them to other people who need them. Cr and CE inclusive.
Having somewhere to put them would be cool. Then I can also keep spare gear I plan to just save for another time so I don't get mixed up. (Like a calibur that I use, and one that I left unbound to make tempered to give to a friend. I may accidentally equip the unbound one then I'll be like oh fawk.)
It's at the top of your Arsenal. The text box for search, the tiny box with a downward arrow for sorting. Plus, I wouldn't want to pass on the chance to use my proto gear in later tiers as a challenge.
Story-wise it seems Spiral Knights are at least part-mechanical beings. It seems helm/armor are actual body parts, as you cannot be without one at any time.
It's not gonna be possible. You need to unequip an armor or helmet to craft them so you need to wear your proto gear to upgrade them.