What was this game going to be?

[gifthorse]

Crafters were supposed to battle, in the Tanaka interviews pre release they talked about how crafters would have abilities needed in battle, an alchemists might be needed to dissolve a gold mob. This was talked about, it was scrapped. So you can't say "crafters were NEVER supposed to be in battle"

It was said that blacksmiths might be able to spot weaknesses in metal mobs, I think.

But even so, how exactly is that fighting? That's a very situational role and obviously thrown in as an afterthought. The only combat centered around crafters is the combat featured in the main scenario quest.