(Or maybe some people are just naturally talented and tune me out.)

It's tough to explain to someone just how much work it is to make hard armor look like hard armor. Once you've sculpted it, and hopefully not hindered any articulation too much, you're not done, not by a long shot. Next comes a bunch of sanding to get the surfaces smooth, and yes, you sand EVERYTHING to get rid of all those lumps and fingerprints. Then you have to refine the shapes, all those sharp angles and bevels need to be shaved and carved so the armor looks like something hard and protective, not a squishy lump of clay.

Of course, you can minimize the workload by getting the shapes and thickness right in the first place, but there will always be post-work to be done.

There are many characters out there with cool designs begging to be made. Next time you feel like making another spandex sissy, remember that real heroes wear long goatees and metal codpieces.