Hello, I am here to request the Minecraft Team to stop developing Netherite tools & armor and not add them to the game in version 1.16. There are multiple reasons for this; I'll list all I can think of here.
– Please note that by "Netherite" below, I mean the current Netherite, ore that you can use to upgrade diamond tools to even better ones. –

I've always felt like Minecraft's most recognized item is the diamond (or sometimes the grass block) since it's one of the most powerful items and the best ore in the game. If Netherite gets added, diamonds will become second-tier and a part of the way people recognize Minecraft – Minecraft's branding – will be lost. One of the game's biggest goals is getting a full set of diamond tools & armor (optionally also well enchanted), and if Netherite is added, this will become just a stop on the way to the best gear. Many servers, websites and Minecraft communities have names such as "Diamond Mining" (just an example, don't take it too seriously) and these names will all be outdated after the "Netherite update". Most of the Minecraft merchandise & toys will be also outdated.

Secondly, my opinion is that the current way Netherite works is overpowered, especially Netherite armor. Making it even stronger than diamond armor and also adding anti-knockback makes it impossible for lower-tier players to fight players with Netherite armor. Games like Skywars won't be really playable without additional custom configuration of the server. Also, even better tools? Fully enchanted diamond tools are already kind of overpowered (especially with a beacon); I can't imagine how powerful Netherite tools are (I did not try multiplayer with the snapshots myself).

I'm not here to request removal of Netherite, I just think the way it works should be changed due to the aforementioned reasons. An example solution for both problems could be making Netherite gear only working in the Nether (and possibly the End) or make Netherite gear as powerful as diamond gear, with a different enchantement tree and perks. Simply, keep diamond gear as the best or make it share the top position with the new Netherite gear.

I do like changes and especially in games. In my opinion, 1.16 is one of the best updates Minecraft is ever going to get. Netherite is a cool concept and the gear looks awesome (I'd love not having to wear shiny blue armor all the time), but I do think it needs some changes.

All of this is just my pure opinion, please respect & understand that. Also, I apologize for some possible quirks in my English, I'm not native. Peace ❤.