Square Enix's RNG

[Rivienne]

BUT there is a way to "exploit" the RNG system for crafting... just achieve 100% HQ.

Looking at this type of "exploit": for gathering this also exists on 5 chance nodes once you reach level 25? or 30. I can't remember: gather 4 100% items (shards if the item you want isn't), then solid reason, and deep vigor. 5th item is 100% chance of HQ. This still means the best you can get is 1 HQ mat for every 4 NQ, or 1 HQ mat for 4 shards though. And only every 5 nodes, and only if you recover enough GP first.