So... method #1 is to gather stuff to turn in for scrip, which you then convert into tokens, to buy favors, which are used to gather even more crap (with a sh*tty drop rate no less), which is then cashed in for crafting materials.

Method #2 is to farm an instance that maybe 3 people on an entire server actually do, or coerce your FC mates into helping you (which they might do once or twice, but not enough to make it worthwhile), turn in gear for a pittance of currency that is exchanged for another currency that can be used to buy crafting materials.

And if you NQ the synth, you have to start all over again.

Who's dumb f*cking idea was this?

Just put the mats in dungeon chest drops like 2.x, and make crafters happy.