Please do not ever say this again, EVER! Because this is DEAD WRONG, and it spreads like a zombie virus to the younger crafters!
I don't agree with you, during ARR RNG was the most important factor. Sure you as a crafted can do all in your power to increase your chances but at the end of the day, you were at the mercy of the RNG.

Just like pen a paper RPG games or games like Warhammer 40K/Fantasy, no matter how much time you put behind all your strategy, if you are unlucky with dices is GL HF for you.

In fact, one common complaint during ARR was RNG (for crafting and melding).