I think crafting is dying because of the time it takes to level it up, and because of item loss, and because the materials are not readily available in the quantities once enjoyed. Perhaps an easier solution would be to raise the drop rates across the board.... Maybe make non-thief jobs get Treasure Hunter II drop rates, and double Treasure Hunter II.

Low level players who cannot farm certain items themselves depend on high level players to farm and sell items on the auction house. That doesn't really seem to be happening like it used to. I wonder if it's because so much gear is available through quests and missions, leaving people spending their time questing and fighting, not farming for the gil needed to buy equipment off the AH. If that's the case, it's a situation that should be corrected. Talk about game balance! lol