Didn't realize they changed how the different forms of syntheses works...

So i think i understand crafting now and why i wasn't enjoying it previously.

First of the exp is distributed the same as it used to be, i thought i'd be different because of how difficult of a time i was having on higher leveled synths. Then i realized Rapid Synthesis has been altered, I didn't realize that now it fills up the progress bar faster but also has a much greater chance of failing and loses a lot of durability when it fails. It wasn't until i noticed the description on it was different that i starting using it differently.

Upon realizing that I started to use Makers Muse at every opportunity, staying away from making too many red synths, and for the particularly harder synths i use a combo of blinding speed and fulfillment if needed.

I'm happy to report that at level 19 Leatherworker with relativity low experience in crafting i'm having no trouble getting 450 exp a synth with 0 failures in 20 synths.

I was reading a lot of forum posts of people calmly stating they were easily getting 450 a craft and i just didn't believe them but now i see how. I like this new system though you can craft a lot of different items that are all relatively useful so long as your not crafting anything thats your level or lower.

been a while since you crafted I assume, as this has been about 10 months like this, you not being able to spam rapid. You should be able to get about 750 xp on synths at a very consistant level, keep the orb in white as much as possible and using standard as much as possible unless you are in a jam and rapid might save your synth.

Get all crafts to L10 (easily done) to get all the low-hanging abilities(fruits).
You'll be amazed how (relatively) easy your crafting life becomes. You'll be able to use more of them as your level up higher.

Tips:
Preserve - Great for switching colors back to white. On the 3rd(or 4th if favored) attempt with this active, use another ability for greater success. This will make "Preserve" expire but it doesn't matter because the orb is already white.

Maker's Muse + Fulfillment + Preserve is a pretty good "Success" mix in my experience.

650 exp (+8 levels) should be somewhat more comfortable than +10 levels.

Preserve is the best. Next best is Tender Touch - it REALLY lowers the amount of durability loss.