Actually, when you brake it down into base concepts, the Meteria system is in fact different than the upgrade system of other games.
Most noted in this is the forbidden system. Even in other games like Diablo that there are socketed items for upgrades (though usually not from being broken down from your own weapons.) None in memory have mentioned pushing it beyond its designated socket limit.
Anyways, as I have said many times before, the game does not have to be glaringly original mechanics wise to be successful.