I don't think it's too much to ask for gameplay in a ... game. Gathering need not have the same type of challenges as combat classes, but making fun content for gatherers is important. Right now gathering consists of walking around looking for spots to gather, playing a mini game, and avoiding enemies. So the core mechanics amount to... basic movement and a mini-game.

Having abilities like distract, instead of simply becoming invisible would not only make more sense, but be more enjoyable as well, for people who were actually looking to have fun gathering.