Let us craft from Retainer Inventory

[gamersince1976]

Add my name to the "Yes Please" column. Leveling Leatherworker, Carpenter, and Weaver at the same time was tricky enough. Throw in a little Botany so I don't have to buy every mat. In the middle I tried to level Culinarian. You can guess how well that worked out.

I don't think inventory space and sorting functions add a "casual" element at all. It's needless busywork as it it. The only way to offset the cost of crafting is to sell mats and goods in the market. Which you can't do when you're constantly in your retainer's inventory.