So here's a crazy idea

[tdb]

I find resistance to this sort of thing odd. I mean, removing something that no one would even notice if it didn't exist to begin with and has no real purpose outside of adding a needless time sink and expense to something that is already a time sink and expensive takes nothing away from crafting.

Resistance to what? I wouldn't mind at all if crafting crystals was removed. I rarely have to pay attention to them anyway. But unless I've grossly misinterpreted something, the OP's suggestion was to remove them from gathering and gardening and instead make them drop from mobs, while still keeping them necessary for crafting. If the droprates would be anything like existing crafting materials it would make them a royal pain to get when I run out. If you think crystals are currently an unnecessary grind, surely you'll agree they shouldn't be made even more of a grind.