I know 343 need to make money to support a game and monetizing customization is what they are going for. Thing is, our “customization” is pretty lackluster, especially on the coloring side. heres my idea.
Coatings- Instead of being a set pattern with pre set colors, Armor coating should just be a pattern/ template for how colors are broken up on a spartan. Rarity in coating can be based on how many color slots the coating contains i.e. 1 for grey, 2 for blue, 3 for purple, 4 for gold. give or take 1. also rarity can determine the type of finish that can be applied. matte, metallics, gloss ect.
Colors- again, instead of having no control over color. Colors can be new unlocks to be added to your collection. Like blue gloss, red metallic, black matte, white flat., green pearlescent ect ect. Even having variation of new, worn , rusted or damaged. making more flashy finishes higher in rarity
Player choice vs monetization. to me this would be more of a win win. We as players would have much more customization control, While 343 would still have desired things to sell or add to passes. Having both Coatings (pattern/templates) AND individual color/finish. They can also be sold at more reasonable prices since they could have SO many more options having single color finish combinations. Cores and color packs can be sold as bundles, and they could sell single CHEAPER colors or cores. And thigs like single colors could fill alot of season pass dead space
So how it all works you unlock your core, lets say a purple rarity and it has its pattern (how colors are broken up) and 3 color slots, with the ability to have flat, gloss, matte and metallic colors. then you simply add the colors YOU want from any of your unlocked collection.
just an idea