Max level blacksmith does seem pretty depressing right now in the weapons department.

I think if the gap between what you could make and what was out there wasn't so massive, it would make the option of a customizeable weapon more appealing. And damage playing such a large role in Marauder/Warrior's effectiveness.

Damage = more enmity, more healing from damage returns, enemies die faster = less healing needed, more MP conserved by mages, shorter fighters, more loot, more exp, mo problemz, etc.

Demilune Bhuj, damage 141, common craft.
Barbarian Bardiche, damage 151, uncommon craft.

I suspect a triple-melded HQ Barbarian Bardiche still may not compare damage-wise to a primal weapon since Damage appears to be a sexy, irreplaceable stat.