You can get to 700 gp with hq snurble but it requires some slightly different melding. Also, the 700 gp allows you to hit yield 2, perc 1, gather 2 in folklore nodes for a 100% gather chance. I really hate missing hits on those nodes so the extra 100 gp to hit gather 2 is worth it for me.

Honestly though, my biggest issue is just the token investment. It's just lazy and uninspired. It's just tough bringing myself to spend 18 tokens on 1 chest piece knowing I can use those 18 tokens to craft up 4-5 crafter chest pieces. I really hope we craftable gatherer gear in 3.1.

That aside, I still feel the Serpentskin melded is better in most situations... but once again, the 180 route is just so lazy.