In regards to gathering and crafting, it can get a little out of hand if you take on too many at once. Its usually recommended to take on one or two crafting classes to coincide with the gathering class you have. There is crossover from all crafting and gathering classes but it is easy to find the crossover materials for crafting if you don't have it yourself. There are some nice guides for both in the forums. Crafting and gathering levequests are definitely the fastest way to level them. Hope you have fun if you decide to dabble in them.