Going to quote multiple here...

File2ish
Regarding materia: I don't think weapons would just have empty holes in them where materia goes, I think it's assumed the crafter makes the slot. And if that's not assumed, it needs to be worked in with a specific tool or something. It's one of the few things crafters are needed for, much of the stuff they can make is just for vanity purposes post Praetorium. They put a ton of time and money (for the former: especially if they farm their own mats. And for the latter: If they buy all their mats) into the job, it's only natural that you would compensate them. Besides, 3k isn't that much of a tip. Sure you possibly spent 60k+ on your materia, but it's just compensation for their time and possibly skill/luck (if overmelding), ya?
That makes sense. I'm not against the high level/end game armors & weapons needing melds as they are suppose to be "relics" and "one of a kind" types of weapons.
I just feel that say crafted, bought, and GC gear should not have that limitation.
I just can't see someone crafting their own armor & deliberately not adding materia slots, and our Grand Companies want us to be as strong as possible so why leave slots out?

Lemuria
1. The materia melding system is fine. Tipping the melder is optional in many cases, and while you may have come across some bad crafters who overcharge, many of us are more than happy to provide melding services free of charge since it costs us nothing but time.

2. Glamors are for any level, but all the 'good' stuff is level 50. The whole concept is stupid, in my opinion. they've made the recipes incredibly difficult either to craft, or get the ingredients for. They should've been more sympathetic to the players, and at least offered some other unique items at lower craft levels and lower item rarity. Sadly, the way things are going, everything is going to be a 3-star synthesis requiring godly rare items, and yes... I agree, it's retarded.

3. Shards. Praise be to Hydaelyn for giving us wards to enhance the yield, but a pox on the idiot who decided that they should only increase yield by 2 at level 50. 12 shards per node, 18 if you've got 700 GP and a +1 node. I use that up in about 2 syntheses. This needs some SERIOUS revision, but SE have basically ignored everything about gatherers and crafters. They're too focused on the 'what next' not on what came before. Don't expect them to revisit shard drops any time soon.

4. Dungeon roulette is fine. I get that its frustrating to be thrown into a Tam Tara at level 46, but it's designed to help the lower players get teammates for dungeons they need to do, not to help high levels level up. You get a daily bonus of XP which is very sizeable irrespective of what level you end up at, and a further XP bonus based on your level compared to the dungeon. It's as fair a system as it can be while still serving its original purpose.

5. Guildhest was a good idea... then it became incredibly tedious and uninteresting. The problem is there's very little variation, and no new guildhests have been added since the game released. It could do with a bit of reworking.

6. Well, FFXI had companions you could level up and equip so I wouldn't totally dismiss the idea. Though, don't expect AI on the level of a player. Game mobs are notoriously stupid, so it stands to reason that retainers in the field won't be much to celebrate either.
1. I'm pretty sure I just have rotten luck. I just think regular gear should just be socketable. Leave the end game stuff for the crafters. They deserve a reward for going up to max crafter. I agree there. I just do not think they need to bother with lvl 10-45's begging for melds.
Even then...I feel like the Carbonized material is not necessary for melds. Maybe to "Overmeld" (First time I ever saw that term.)

2. Glamours in my personal opinion are a slap in the face. Reminds me of Adventure Time where they teased Fionna & Cake becoming real, and all the audience got was a crossed eyes rotting book that drooled & farted in your face constantly.
You must have a lvl 50 class to unlock the ability to do Glamours according to the official release notes...did I misread?
Then from what I've heard (and as you said) it is a royal pain in the backside to get them done.
That is just...as you so well put it. Retarded.

WoW did this with Transmog. A simpler but still not very effective way to let folks customize themselves.
I see no reason to why they can't just let us wear what we want in an appearance slot. Why does it have to be so complex?

3. We are in 100% agreement here. I wish SE would say "To the 7 hells with it." and just let us buy the shards off NPCs. (Yes, destroy the overpriced shard economy. Some shard stacks cost more than my real life house & car combined!)

4. I love the roulette. I did NOT know it was based off item level. Also I do not dislike the low level dungeons. I like queuing it to help lower level players specifically. I get more frustrated when I queue for it to do a quick easy dungeon & I get Stone Vigil or Dhzamel Hold.

5. I'm not saying AI needs to be super smart. Nor am I saying death to the Chocobo.
I just think the "OPTION" to use a custom made NPC would be awesome. I love my Choco.
(Laugh at me if you like but NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING pisses me off like when my Chocobo gets killed. It ruins my entire day. Only happened 3 times, and I resent it.)
I'm a mainly solo, RP from time to time, dungeon crawler type of player. So I would like the companionship.
Like we have multiple mounts, minions, why not companions? Give em the Carbuncle or Chocobo AI.