It is a special kind of a Hell for solo FC's. Outside of some silver ingots and steel ingots, I literally made the materials for my first airship myself, so why shouldn't I be able to make the final product myself instead of sitting in PF or hoping I have friends with a crafter unlocked and a few minutes to spare?

It's an arbitrary requirement with absolutely no reason to exist. It doesn't add any depth to anything or have any benefits. Like if there was at least progress bonuses based on what crafters are present it would be slightly less jarring, but that's not even a thing.