Hello, Kiara.

I'll take some time to write my thoughts here, as it's a matter dear to me, being my main Classes in Eorzea.

I go against the tide by saying that after 15 months in Eorzea I still enjoy crafting and gathering as they're now.
For crafting, it's not simply “Hitting Enter”, for me (yeah, I know that's the tendency...). I never do “craft grinding” or else I'd probably get bored, too; I take my Local Levequests at the Adventurers' Guild and then go somewhere, varying the place where I craft, be it the clearing outside the Drowning Wench, the Milvaneth Sacrarium or Arrzaneth Ossuary, a cliff with a good view... It depends on the day. For instance, now I'm in the Sil'dih Aqueducts, I did some fishing before and now I feel like crafting those fares.
And I relax in doing it, I think if I've to hit “Wait” or use one of the 4 abilities I've equipped (I use only 4). Now that I'm level 48, it's much easier than in the past, so I don't think or “Wait” so often anymore, but I always enjoyed that part and doing one local leve still takes me a good 10 minutes.

Overall, I think crafting should remain for those dedicated adventurers who would like to put commitment in these Classes, to create their own equipment.

If crafting would change too drastically... Hmm, I don't know... Improvements are always welcome, sure. And your suggestions on Blacksmith, Carpenter and Weaver are Great, but I'd see them well as additional mini-games to vary among the usual mini-game for those who don't like it. So you can choose what to do and how to grow as a crafter. Yes, I think more interaction with the craftsman environment would be a good addition.
So far I only know that Yoshida is planning to make us use special facilities inside beast tribe strongholds to create special equipment. Also, for much future content, I remember he spoke (found the post) of an underground facility in your house, where you could create airships and your own boat (!), something I'm really looking forward to.


While for gathering, I'm always part of the minority that likes the way it is. Unfortunately, I know some adventurers who “do it for the money and not for fun”, and I always advise against doing something you don't like to do in Eorzea, but also I know many who enjoy it (mostly japanese).
Therefore, I wouldn't like drastical changes for gathering, either, but again, improvements and new features are always welcome, like the new mini-games you suggested (I myself thought in the past about mending damaged trees, and there could also be some story behind it, if the setting is the Twelveswood and the trees felled by the Ixal).
For instance, the first thing I'm looking forward to in 2.0 are the new areas *Explorer Inside* , but right after there's the personal housing and I can't wait to take care of my own garden.
Generally, since I like it so much, I'm sure I'd be glad with any kind of new gathering content added.


But again, take this post as only the personal feelings of one of the few adventurers of Eorzea who actually enjoys being a Disciple of the Hand & Land.