As someone that started in ARR, and seeing the firmament come into fruition...it has allowed MANY PLAYERS to come into DoL/DoH on an entry to mid-tier level.

it is BECAUSE of the firmament that many crafters do not know such things like Inner Quiet. I'm not saying that power leveling is a bad thing, but, like any other class/job, it's coming to an understanding of the job skills, which to use and which not to use optimally.

Look at crafting like one would any sort of art:
Level 1: Introduction to the craft. A Novice.
Level 50-last level beneath current Cap: you're getting there, learning more and more. a Journeyman
Current Top Level (adjust as needed for level cap) you're an expert.
Top Level AND knowing what your skills do: "you're a Master".

It's just like learning any skill in life. you have to learn and while the firmament is a good quick tool (I do use it for leveling those in my alts) for getting levels, but you have to learn the skills, look at your skills and develop those skills, just like any other job and class.

and if your Endgame is an Omnicrafter, you have to learn to play the market. it's that simple. you have to gather mats, hold onto some because they're cheap right now but make a special item...and wait. putting them up either at a high price, or at a logical price.

Using the "Other" Tab of the PF is also a way to get your goods sold at a reasonable pace.

RE: Crafted High Level Star Gear: sometimes, it is BiS for raiders (not often) however...it's not meant to be the end gear, it's for getting butts in the door to get the higher gear/get into 8 and 24 man content to be able to get the better gear. it's the "Foyer to Content/Tomestone Gear" so to speak.