as stated by others the current bis doesn't allow for grade 5 melds so if new crafted gear is coming come patch then it will most likely allow grade 5 melds.

red scrip gear would be equal to that meld capped gear not current, especially since we cant even cap the gear regardless of whether or not the stats are needed.

as for grade 4 materia its easy to get in the level 55 gear, it has a high rate of conversion and so materia prices will most likely drop as grade 4 becomes what grade 3 currently is.

personally ive melded my gear with one of each craft control and cp grade 4 materia where I would get the max stat gain for minimal cost. <minimal to me since I had a rather large stockpile.

I don't see them adding another mastercraft book so soon but wouldn't put it past them, and I don't think we will see new 2* recipes so quickly either. but af gear is coming one way or another thats for sure. and if you want your crafters to look unique again youll want the body piece at least. which either means we make 8 of current bis and meld to glam for each class or it replaces what we currently have.