I actually come out on the other side of this.
Magic items aren't required for balance.
So there's absolutely no balance issue if a rust monster comes along and devours your armor.
So D&D monsters with a history of chomping down on PC gear can continue to do so. Poor widdle cleric got his shiny armor all munched up by the big bad rust monster? Cry me a river, you big tough adventurer, you.
I do think that "special" items are a different case. There's items out there that are more properly described as part of your character's identity than they are as simple magical equipment.
That stuff shouldn't be found randomly, and shouldn't be destroyed easily -- it's more like an artifact than a simple +1 suit of brigandine or whatever. And it's more accurately like a class, race, feat, or other character element than it is like bonus treasure.
As for the preview itself? Attunement! Bah!