As much as I dislike this empty grind, they could save it.

Require 5 of each unidentified item instead of 20, and 1 of each crafted item instead of 4.

It would still be a grind, and it would still require dedication. But 600+ Alex normals? Who thought that was a good idea?

Yes I'm aware that's not the only way to get those items, but the time sink remains the same