Originally Posted by
Faeon
Always try to HQ as much as possible, it really does help allot all you need when starting to gather is make sure you are able to reach the perception needed to get HQ, you can crafter and gather same time, so you can craft your HQ gather gear. That is what I did and always craft more than one set, 3 sets maybe one set you use and sb and the other you sell on MB, that way you are making Gil as you level.
I am sure Caimie Tsukino's wonderfull guide will help you out with most of your questions.