The current issue, and pet-peeve to all players involved with crafting is:

1. Stack limit
2. HQ/NQ


To be honest, the stack limit is acceptable. The mix of HQ/NQ is NOT.

Crafters always have a mix of HQ/NQ items, and when L50 and beyond, creating HQ from NQ is simple. In addition NQ mats with crafting skills can make HQ items and gear without a fuss, but you need 2 slots for that.

Option 1:
Create a "shared stack" (up to 99) with an icon with a diagonal line, indicating a shared stack of items (HQ/NQ), allowing the player to take and remove the stack. Should it be removed entirely, from the retainer, the stack breaks up into the 2 separate stacks HQ and NQ

Option 2:
Allow a stack of 99 each in a shared icon. Players then choose to remove either HQ or NQ animal hide, for example, from their stack, saving space and keeping the storage limit.

Suggested 3:
Crafted items, GEAR specifically and by the player only, is allowed to stack to 9 ONLY on the retainer.