[Fern]

As a quick mention, there has been a problem with character variety for a while now (in the sense that people tend to feel characters are mechanically very samey, which isn't preferred in a roleplay game) but to not get too off-topic and head straight to the point I want to convey, taking the customizable buff/transformation route would make that problem not as noticeable. I wouldn't say it fixes it entirely nor I'd expect it to, but what I'm trying to say is that I think there's quite a variety of reasons to consider the idea of a custom buff mechanic, since that could also be used for transformations. It's like figuratively killing two birds with one stone if it does get implemented- people get to roleplay transformations if they want to, or a special unique skill of their character that doesn't force them to run a specific weapon (I.E custom tome.)
 
Which, I'd say would make people feel like they have more reign with making their characters feel more unique from a gameplay standpoint.