Destroying Server Economies

[Vnolan]

I've heard people say money is useless in this game, so .. why are people so concerned with how fast they can make it?

Big misconception. Gil is not needed for anything other than housing, but it's equivalent to time. You can engage in lengthy grinds (mounts, Eureka emotes, raid gear, achievements, etc.), or you can use Gil to bypass that grind. For those who don't care about the rules, it can be sold for real money.

I have a question then, what exactly is having cheap crafts and materials hurting besides peoples Gil pile growth?

It's being done through cheating.