Um, OP....

a) it differs per crafting class. A lot of leves require items/mats that are very expensive, especially if you want HQ.

b) crafting the HQ items in the first place is NOT easy, unless you have a lot of cross-class skills and/or HQ mats to start with.

So sure, if you're rich and/or have several other crafting classes levelled, it may seem like a lot for little effort. But for those starting out, who cannot afford HQ and do not have the skills so make it, it is NOT a lot. Not all the leves are easy or cheap items.