Crafting in this game is presented as an alternate path of advancement for those who want to make it their thing, rather than a submenu for a combat character like basically every other MMO. How true is this? If I so choose, can I make my end-game revolve around outfitting the guild's raiders as they go off and kill dragons while they in turn bring me recipes and materials for roughly drop equivalent gear? Or is it like in most other MMOs where aside from furniture and leveling gear, crafting brings little or nothing to the table?

I understand that loot pinata drops have to be better than most crafted gear, otherwise there is much less incentive to raid. I just want to know if all the time spent leveling the crafting skills, learning to make better and better implements of war, and honing my skills over long hours will allow me to make weapons worthy of felling mighty beasts or just a rather lovely lamp and nightstand to go with that bed.