Dumb question and I am sorry if I am insulting your knowledge ( I don't know anything about you and just trying to help) but is the IPAD turned on with the power switch? Are you trying to power it on with the multifunction switch and the power is actually shut down with the power switch?
Or, maybe the Ghost Armour somehow is not letting the sensor that the Smart Cover uses to put the IPAD to sleep get the right light. I know the armour is clear but maybe it filters the light some how.