So I have all my crafting classes to 50..

[Lionhand]

Best way is to improve your crafter stats first. Concentrate on one, always gather patiently for HQ mats and get your own crystals. GSM is nice, trinkets are the easiest way players improve stats with less gil. Mats like rubellite, zircon, etc. are cheap if not easily mined. Earrings, chokers, rings and bracelets are simple to craft. You only need electrum or gold ore to make regular ones or for PvP. Don't let gil sit, spend it wisely on materia to improve your crafters gear. Unspent gil is a waste while your crafter has poor gear. Having all DoH at 50, 40 HQ is almost a sure thing once you meet the minimum CP/craftsmanship/control stat requirements to macro/use a reliable HQ rotation. Sell philo mats for now then go craft 1-2 star crafts later. Always craft with food, look for the one where your stats are lacking. Even veteran crafters spend gil on food for that one last push to ensure HQ for a good 30 minutes.

[Simaril]

and get your own crystals.

Why would I gather cheap crystals when I could gather something more valuable in the same time??? Gather what ever is the most valuable (gil/time), and buy the cheaper stuff!!! If the value of the crystals you gather is the best gil/time then anything else, then sure - gather crystals.

One nice bonus of gathering as a crafter, is that you generally don't need the HQ mats - some of which sell very well.

[Lionhand]

Why would I gather cheap crystals when I could gather something more valuable in the same time??? Gather what ever is the most valuable (gil/time), and buy the cheaper stuff!!! If the value of the crystals you gather is the best gil/time then anything else, then sure - gather crystals.

One nice bonus of gathering as a crafter, is that you generally don't need the HQ mats - some of which sell very well.

I'm from a relatively young server where crystals are pricey (moreso when i was just starting). If it's dirt cheap and you have enough gil, sure buy it, otherwise get your own. RMTs sell crystals during the early months - as much as possible i dont buy from them. I do spiritbonding too while gathering. Also, the OP said she doesn't even meet the required stats to even make a good HQ rotation yet, so while low in gear & stats, HQ mats do help a lot in crafting HQ items. Selling HQ items is way better than selling HQ mats.