I agree with you that the changes feel a little uninspiring. After reading your suggestions I feel like Armor should instead just be a keyword without any number attached to it. i.e. Armor so the max number is capped at 1 and behaves like the old armor mechanic. The crux of the issue is ultimately Armor > 1 but as you said, setting this new mechanic in place makes Armor basically feel like extra health except for creatures with Armor > 1.