Just made 50 on my botanist, my first 50! I went and got myself a full HQ set of gear! And now, obviously, I have to meld. I am going off the pre 2.3 patch thread, because everything there seems based off the higher level main hand, and I can't get that yet.

It looks like before I can even start working on fragrant logs for the upgraded main hand I need to get to 408 Gathering so I can have a CHANCE at getting it. Then 389 Perception for a CHANCE at HQ then the goal would be 500 GP, I think?

So the plan:
Spiritbond what I have on me, then convert it, hoping for the materia I need (cause there's no way I'm paying marketboard prices for it right now).
Re-purchase the gear I convert, repeat!

If this isn't right, could someone point me in the right direction? I am very lost and have been looking at this for days now and I'm not having that AH HA! moment.

Thanks all!