You have to remember that this game was touted to be for casual players more-so than FFXI was. But when it released, the overly complex nature of crafting was anything but casual. YOU may have grown accustomed to it and learned to like it, but many other players, myself included, are all but avoiding crafting whenever possible because of the time it takes to create what seemed like simple items and equipment. It may be more 'realistic', but it's far from 'fun'. And 'Fun' has been the keyword on every developer's lips since Yoshida became producer.

I welcome these changes. It will open the markets up to allow new players to actually FIND equipment their level. On my server, you're lucky to find any decently priced hempen/cotton gear. No one wants to waste time on it, and if they do they charge 50k+ for something as simple as a hempen cloak. And then you go to the rank 30 gear and find stuff on sale for 10k. I see new players all the time decked out in rank 30 gear, which just doesn't seem right.