So, I'm looking to get more hardcore into crafting/gathering, and that means lots of materia. I figured I'd work on making materia of my own, selling what I don't need to afford what I do, and wonder how to best go about it.

1: I've noticed certain things tend to accrue spiritbond faster (namely, dungeons seem to spiritbond faster than open world monsters). Is this simply a matter of monster level, and if so should I focus on higher level items when crafting/gathering, or just go for the lowest level possible (11 levels below me right?)

2: Should I use green ilvl 55 gear, or white gear? The white stuff is far easier for me to craft and acquire resources for, but I'm unsure if the green stuff crosses a materia threshold.

3: elemental materia: gamble with them, or just use them to increase SB rate? Likewise, should I spend seals on sb potions?