Hey, new to Starfinder so this isn't one of the many apparent class debates regarding Solarians and their efficacy.
That said, their solar manifestations (both armor or weapon) state the following:
Once you’ve selected the general design,
you can’t change it until you gain a new solarian level.
To which I say, why?
Why is that even a thing? What possible benefit does that have on this role-playing game either mechanically or thematically?
This isn't a video game where such things might be considered part of the functionality/UI of the game.
At least with the solar weapon it makes a vague bit of sense since you can only change the weapons damage type when you level, but since the appearance of the weapon doesn't actually impact its functionality, it's still a largely superfluous rule.
I can't begin to comprehend why that was even specified as a restriction in the class ability. It seems like a completely meaningless bit of micromanaging fiddlyness.
Don't get me wrong, I'm generally excited about this game, but it does (IMHO) have some outright peculiarities and errors scattered throughout it making this thing a fine beauty as long as you look past the pimples.