As someone else pointed out (I forget where), PA could be a specifically PVE armor. The other person described it as usable only when going on BOS sanctioned missions (though these could be worked into faction wars/battlegrounds).
Otherwise, the PA is returned to the BOS quartermaster and un-available until the next mission.
I like the idea since in a controlled situation like "battlegrounds AKA super Hinkley", people can do battle with insane weapons and armor without those same items over-powering the wasteland. As many others have stated, lets give folks more incentive to enter legit battles and lower the need for LULZ battles.
PS: The damage re-work was meant to encourage a more varied build and playstyle in regards to weapons and armor. At the same time, everything is re-balanced so who you run into and what they have on is pure luck ALA WoW. Before the streamline (around BC), rogues could stunlock "squishies" (mages, priests, etc, but get fucked by plate users. Whereas mages could "kite", plate users depending on their build.