Quote Originally Posted by Buckles View Post
However, for unknown reasons, SE have it that the easiest item in the world to obtain is used in vast quantities by every crafter in the game.

So yes, in my opinion and for the reasons stated above, shards need reworking/replacing sooner with crystals/clusters to curb this marketable area for the RMTs.
You havent played FFXI i guess you can get crystals and clusters at any level even level one.