That's an idea... I'm not sure if you meant this RIP, but maybe at least some NPCs could take any money from you as long as it was more than they wanted. I'm not entirely sure whether NPCs have faction stats, if so, this behaviour could depend on the lawful one for example.

A type of armour I would like to see is a more plain style in addition to the armour style we have now. Take the ylian race for example, I really like the fancy chain and plate styles, but if you wanted to roleplay a ordinary grunt type of soldier, the gold plate we have now looks like 'elite guard' material (which is fine). But I see in a some games these days, all the types of armour are decorated with knobs and buttons and engraved patterns, without any of the sort of armour a smith would knock up as fast as possible to equip a raw recruit in time of war (I don't mean the leather or cloth types, the metal ones).

So, in addition to the decorative types we have now, maybe add a very plain style, but still in the heavy armour/plate/mail categories, with a gray/brown/black unfinished steel look, and big, simple, strong parts. A hint of wear and tear might also fit in. I would use it for roleplaying the people who must use armour that does not cost a lot to make, but still works nearly as good. It would make the heavy armour we have now look even better, as you would have the grunt n' cheapie armour to contrast with the officer or hero style.

I hope this is not too obvious and falls under the category of "we are already doing that", I have thought of this when role playing some of my characters, as they are mostly poorer average types, without the money or time to get a good looking suit.