I'd had that same thought, regarding the difference between what miners and botanists can farm while they're doing favors. When I'm gathering violet ooids, I'm bored out of my mind, same as I am gathering any other favor mat, but at least I can soothe myself by remembering I'll be able to a buttload of aurum regis nuggets for my stockpile and get some spiritbonding done while I'm at it. Botany on the other hand...why is 99% of 56-60 Botany that's not attached to a timed node so useless?