The more choices an rpg gives you, the more it resembles a true rpg ( because frankly if we all have played classic rpgs, we know that the choices are what makes it fun). The players will always want rewards for the work that they put, and frankly when it comes to crafting there is no lasting reward at all, no point and no reason except for making gil, which in turn just gives SE an excuse to create ultra expensive cash sinks that are only slightly entertaining and overall unpractical for the other side of the game.
The combat could be further improved by giving people options trough crafting, we need more options bought with gil that can be practical for combat or gathering.