Hmm, personal experience I've only ever seen jumbled name RMT bot crafting, plus maybe 2-3 actual legit players who I've suspected. I'd be very surprised if the actual figure of bot crafters is more than 5%

But it doesnt matter so much. Once those botters hit 50, they're left with the mass spam synths for money rather than playing the market like a good crafter does, so they're not really affecting legit crafters to any great extent. HQ bot? nah, wont happen!

I raised weaver and leather to 50 before the SP was boosted. 150-350 SP max a synth. It took entire runs of maybe 5-6 tv shows plus countless films but when it's done in that way, or whilst chatting to LS mates... its really nice and relaxing. With the SP as it is now, getting a craft up high isn't that much of a grind, especially if you know how to approach it - crafting = socialise/net browsing/film watching time, very relaxing.