Thanks Laerune and Frizze! It's seems it is kind of a pick and choose. Being able to gather your own materials for crafting, or being able to make your own gear for gathering. I've learned that your gear is SO important for gathering. Those minor stat increases by updating as soon as the gear is available makes a world of difference when needed to gather HQ items, or get the 25% eval bonus from leves; every point of GP is as precious as a breath of air. I haven't begun crafting yet, but I would imagine the same applies to the trades as well.

I went a little past 15, and got DoL to 20 because it has been so fun and addicting. But I do plan on starting crafting today, and hopefully while getting them to 15, I will pick up a good feel for smart and efficient progression so I don't have to hammer every single little question I have into the board. I will try to keep that at a minimum and ask questions when I am stumped rather than a curious kitty. Learning is a big part of the fun

If/when something comes up that I have trouble finding the answer on my own, I will most certainly ask on the respective forum. Thanks again, and happy crafting!