My personal opinion is simply that HQ is to easy to do. My solution is to bring another row oh HQ like HQ2 or exceptional status. Those item could bring the base stats on par with end game gear dungeon but should be REALLY HARD to make. Lets say after you up to 100% HQ progress on synth you slowly gain an HQ2 chance on it. Capping at like 5% atainable only by fully melded crafters. That would bring a sence to crafting, because going 2 stars HQ without HQ mats or food is quite easy.