Gathering shards takes to long.

[PROBOUND]

as much of the higher level items require some crystals and even clusters to craft, and less shards.

As a crafter with all 50's, i would assume you were aware that X-Stat Potions require 15 shards per synth.

Whoever thinks you wont need PILES of shards as a crafter to be productive is seriously mistaken. The 2 most profitable classes atm are the Consumables (CUL/ALCH) both of which need TONS upon TONS of shards to consistently turn a profit.

TLDR: Keep grinding away on those DOL's or fuel the Bot Storm and purchase from the AH.