Well thats probably because 1.19 brough in a lot of new recipes well, undated ones and the need was high (and still is) due to the materia system.

I see it as no more than people growing bored, either with the game in general or the grind to constantly replace gear which is being converted to materia.

Crafters asks to make their class more important in the game and now they have buggered off and left us in the lerch !

Rule 1 Only count on yourself ! >.>