Quote Originally Posted by Dreadful View Post
I have a Marauder because I want to go Warrior and that's the nearest class early on, but I also realize I want to work on crafting. Would it be more efficient if I started fresh as a Gladiator and then picked up mining so I can become a Blacksmith later on down the road?
No, you'll unlock airship travel at the level 15 quests in the main scenario and you'll have ready access to Ul'dah at that point (in fact, you'll have to go to Ul'dah to continue the main scenario questline).

It might actually be a good idea to wait on crafting and gathering until level 17 in the main scenario because that's when you get your retainers and you'll find the additional storage very useful when crafting.