Hi!
There is indeed many custom things here. But c3 concept is more or less the classic c3. Heroes for one are not the “Olympiad” orientated but a status gained by completing a special recipe, which by the way (in my opinion) no one will be able to complete in 1 year … even then … the success rate is 50% … in other words – if you fail that recipe, you probably quit the server. 🙂
As for S armors … I would say (silentz0r can explain that better) it is so that we stay focused on spoiling and crafting even after gaining A grade from shops. Those armors are a bit stronger than A grade sets so it is good to have them but they are not overpowered whatsoever.
As for buffs … with full PP buffs player’s stats still suck badly. Especially since dances and songs are lasting 5 minutes —> no one will have those buffs in normal game play unless you get a clan mate who is willing to play those 2 characters beside you and buffing you every 5 minutes. So … it will be old classic pvp as you mentioned it. (in my opinion that actually sucks, but from what I read, you and maybe some more guys will like that) I for example am not a big fan of 800-900 casting speed with buffs on. (consider here that there are no DYES in c3 and tattoos make no big difference at all)