As Solipse says, the tools are there to significantly increase your HQ chances. There are no less than 4 abilities that can increase HQ on a single turn, Clean slate is amazing for Mats, Hand of the gods is a must, The stat conversion --> quality are good for an extra 30-60 quality every time...the list goes on. And don't forget your stat conversion abilities from your DOW/DOM classes combined with re-statting for what tool you are using. If you set up your bar correctly and set up your stats correctly your HQ rate is definitely improved to something manageable. Don't get me wrong... I still go though spurts where 4-5 synths of Oak logs +3 finishing at 550+ quality return nothing but NQ. But on the whole, I have noticed that since obtaining some of the "must have" abilities, and statting for the tool I am using, my HQ rate has been , at least, reasonable.