Why is Crafting still in the game?

[Sessurea]

I feel bad for crafters, reading this thread it would seem they are playing the completely wrong game.

Crafting should only ever reach end game heights in 1 player games. In a game like FF14, where thehealth of the game depends on people running content to improve, and depends on said peoples determination to learn the content and succeed at it also, what sense does it make for end game standard equipment to come from crafting? Which doesn't require skill and doesn't require to participate in the content.

If crafters could make endgame gear, thus becoming self sufficient in an mmo, the mmo would pretty much die. Players should never have self sufficiency in an mmo, especially with something as brainless as crafting.

is it not enough making a little bit of gil? Or making really good equips when u make a new class? Or being able to skip darklight and gear up with vanya/gryphonskin? I really don't think crafters are short-changed here.