Why did they need to be phased out? Phil and myth?

[Lemuria]

All the crafting items were moved to other systems and they benefited greatly from it.

Eh...? Are you playing the same game as the rest of us? At what point are random drops and massive GC expenditures considered a benefit? Philosophy tomes were a lot easier to farm up than the extortionate asking price of the new GC seals option, and the random drops now replace actual armor in these dungeons.

Now, not only is Darklight a toss up between getting Potash or a body piece, but you never know which item you're going to end up with. Ten bucks says it's for Culinarian though...