But give a more to two different types, the way it currently only gives two types.

The reason for this is simple: As it is the deeper you go into the Clockworks, the more and more having any gaps in your armor type can get you killed. I pity the fools who have Piercing, but even the complete lack of Shadow or Elemental can get you killed in 3-4 hits if you get unlucky with enemies.

In the new model all gear should give a basic amount of defense to each type of attack based on Stars, but each piece of gear would also give what they normally give now to the two specific ones they guard against.

Also, make more enemies do Piercing damage :P Seriously, anyone who plays this game for a week sees how terrible Piercing gear is, which makes about half the gear in the game useless past the first tier.