I have been playing FFXIV for close to a year although I am a very casual player. Only a few hours a night. My main is only level 64. I was going broke trying to keep gear on him so I thought I would try crafting. Crafting started to get a little pricy so I thought the smartest thing to do would be make a miner and botanist so I wouldn't have to buy anything. Turned out I really like the gathering classes. I have both up to level 56 now. Okay now my questions...

Can I level my gatherers and then crafters higher than my main if I have never gotten one all the way through the msq? (plan on leveling all the crafting classes next I hope)

I am leveling a few retainers. What is the easiest way to earn Ventures?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!