IT has never done that in any of the ES games, why would you expect it in an MMO, especially geared toward being playable for casual players as well.
very few games have that system, and it was never in any ES game, why would you expect it to be in ESO?
Yes, after spending months finding the best armour available, it will be destroyed and you will have to look for armour again.. awesome system. Totally MMO material !
^ Made me LOL hard...
After grinding for that top end game PvP armour, you dont want to see it broken beond repair.. ever..
Would be a dealbreaker for many gamers, i would hate it that my hard earned gear could be lost forever..