The problem is, it was never hard. It was a gear check and as people accumulate more and more resources in stockpiles, meeting final gear check becomes easier.
SE can make this "hard" to the point of impossible but what they need to do is add a diminishing returns system to a side quest crafting system. Like Anima crafting or something. If they have a proper diminishing return, you never meet cap. They could add it to the rebuild system as well but it needs to be rewarded with cosmetic returns after a point or it becomes a barrier.