I didn't need HQ leathers to get them HQ. I didn't need HQ mats for this grind at all. The only bad part was 60-61 though Company turn In helped with that issue. The rest was easy, just did the math on what leves to do and found a majority of them really easy. I kept whatever hq ones I made for turn ins, and sold off the NQ ones.

I also tried different mobs at certain levels and found what drops yield better.

Gaganas at the top part of the mountain near the elephant mobs in the Fringes had a better yield than Lesser Gaganas which were better for eggs.
Level 64 Tigers, and Baras in Azim yielded more than Rainbow Tigers.

I've found the leves and crafting much more acceptable than HW's and people still complain.