darkstar, you cannot really complain about the market state if you aren't helping it, which is a big gripe of mine and perhaps a bit offtopic.
You say that the materials cost more than the finished product, great, mine your own materials, sell them cheaper at what you consider reasonable prices, create your own finished product and sell at a reasonable price. Then proceed to attempt to convince others to do so.
Start the goddamn change in the market! That is the one portion of the game that is completely player-driver and if a player doesn't takes up to himself to change it, it'll remain as-is forever.