I think the big question is: is the fused armor still separate from the character? or not?
I'm a bit on a limb here, seeing good arguments on both sides of the question.
IMO, the armor can't be removed, but isn't exactly a part of the character like an arm or a leg, so i would say it's a separate entity. That being said, if destroyed, i wouldn't count it as "removed" for purposes of killing the character. A bit like breaking a tortoise's shell doesn't necessarily kill the animal (but would definitelly hurt and the poor animal would eventually die, so don't do it!)
It could be replaced and regain it's lost abilities.