I don't mind the node placement in Halatali, except when nodes are on opposite ends of the zone. But as OP said more electrum is required in their ingots than cobalt, and yet the rate you get them is pretty much the same (for +1). I wish the rate of getting HQ electrum was a bit higher than HQ cobalt, not to mention iron is used in cobalt which is very easy to get +1's of.

And yes, i agree there are some dumb crafting results as he mentioned.