Originally posted by DarthTanyon:

I'm just saying WHY can't we just make one of every metal/gear tier. I'm just lost as to what was behind that decision.

Probably because art isn't free. It could be just silver-colored reskin of some other atgeir, but some people (like developers) may have higher standards.

It'd also be silly to have a new weapon make your current upgraded one obsolete each time.