I'm actually very pleased with this "Kit" approach and hopeful for this new system of things since it solves some of the major issues I've ALWAYS had with synthesis in FFXI.

Personally, I would be starting from lvl 1 in just about any synthesis skill so I'm hoping they allow a lvl 1 smithing the chance to succeed with a lvl 3 Kit occasionally (meaning it would most likely fail more times than succeed). One can only assume that with synth support and synth+ gear that a lvl 48 Smith could attempt that lvl 50 Kit with occasional success.