That doesn't really make sense to me. It wasn't intended to be that complicated, but conserving the armor doesn't make it easier. I remember fighting the great Communist Cactus himself with this kit and it was pretty close. After two games we both started to conserve armor and it did not become easier for either of us.Yes, taking off armor to save durability is really cheap and boring, and it kinda shows the player is plainly bad at pvp, having to win by using some bs strategy. I most definitely agree.
Please add the curse of binding, but as long as that is impossible because the sever is out of date, taking of the armor isn't a cheap strategy. If my opponent does I'd argue that it would even be arrogant not to. In that case I generally take of helmet and boots first, then after a while put both back on and take chestplate or leggings off, but not both at the same time.