Do we all remember the somewhat struggle of upgrading the Husk to the obsolete Nechrochasm? The idea of evolving weapons was your solution Bungie! But you missed your shot. Evolving could've potentially made this game a lot more fun; and it didn't have to be guns, armor too would've been fun to evolve.
I personally think most of the uncommons and rare gear look pretty beast but it's a shame that they don't get me to 34. Solution? Evolution!!!!!! You could use the same concept as the Nechrochasm for armor.
For example, you could introduce a new material that could be fairly easy to acquire but not as hard as etheric light for the casual player. And we could use that material in upgrading uncommons to Rares and then to legendaries perhaps?
Also you could integrate the etheric light concept at the end of the evolution if anything. Idk it's just something I felt would make customization and guardian uniqueness better in this game.
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One step further! New armour and weapons should be a little better in SOME places, always better in their new area as/raids and NOT WORSE than old ascended rewards except in their special place (like fate bringer should always rule HoW). To upgrade and even squire the new rewards we should need to burn old rewards. New hand canon final upgrade needs a Fate Bringer. This keeps old content relevant and creates a reason to keep playing.