Skip potions for crafting? That's gonna be a no from me dawg.

Unlike MSQ and level restrictions, nothing is gated behind crafting except more crafting. It is entirely optional and if you are having trouble catching up to friends or the story as a result of taking the path of an omnicrafter then you either accept it or adjust your priorities in the game. Omnicrafting is a powerful tool for gil acquisition and self-sufficiency in the game. It really should be earned and not given just by throwing actual money at it. It's meant to be a time-sink.