I can't help but agree with the OP here. Before FFXIV arrived, all the crafting I have done in MMO's followed the "Push button, receive bacon" method. Then 1.0 crafting arrived. I enjoyed the intuitive design, but they went way too far and over complicated it. Crafting in ARR hits just the right balance to make it relaxing and enjoyable. I just got my first one to 50 a couple days ago. There will be more in the future.