Barrier to entry for crafting is to damn high.

[YamiVKD]

it is reasonable.

since you are new to crafting, here is a tip. pentamelding is good IF you use macros. because it allows you to consistently make HQ gear with the best food and drink.

you are very very VERY able to do it without pentamelding, but you have to do it all manually so you can take advantage of rng and use the criticals to increase progress or quality when it comes up. the game provides you with reasonable gear and chances to make the high end stuff. but it is by no means cheap or easy if you want to macro it. end of story.

I have almost the best gear I can get, there was a teir I missed, My bad but even with that I can't even come close to meeting the minimum requirements to even TRY.
Because you can within a broken system doesn't mean its not broken.