From what I've seen, anything over 700 is overkill. 700 grants you extra bonuses while gathering, and allows for an extra ability, beyond the 600. I have 700 and it's more then enough. I do know u need 1150 gathering, and some suggest 1200 perception, if gathering for HQ rare mats. But I don't have 1200, cause as a crafter, I don't even need HQ mats to HQ the new 2*...