Quote Originally Posted by Veritas-Ancora View Post

But it's a lot of time, investment, and energy for newcomers. For someone just starting the game, leveling L80 x 8 crafters = 640 levels. To repair. If it goes to L90 x 8 crafters, then we're talking 720 levels. Even if they don't want to craft anything and just save a few extra gil on repairs and melding. This is getting ridiculous.
How many people level crafters just to be able to repair stuff? Very, very few, I think.
If people don't want to spend time and effort leveling their crafters, then they can just spend gil to get their gear repaired. Problem solved.
As for melds, there are NPCs for that too. Or you can ask a friend with leveled crafters if want to overmeld.

In short, you are trying to solve a non-problem.