Why am I crafting? Because I enjoy it... I enjoy the process of taking an item to HQ. I like being able to make my own gear and supply melds for people that need help. I like being able to make some money on the side from farming monsters/gathering. And I like the idea of putting gear out into the world that others are wearing to help them in their adventuring. I can think of many reasons I personally enjoy crafting... My suggestion would be if you can't find a reason you personally enjoy to do it, don't... As you mentioned there are plenty of alternative ways to obtain end-game gear if that's your primary objective (but crafters can do that too...).