Rapid + Hand of the Gods is one form to gain easy progress in a synth without losing a lot of durability. Rapid is a viable option, just not in every synthesis. Same as bold. Why would you try to bold something several ranks above you?

I honestly don't think crafting takes that long, and it's interesting to see the different animations used depending on the synthesis action. I actually think they should add more animations depending on the ability you are under the effect of. Say you use Innovation, and then you bold, why not have something that looks a little more fantastic than just a regular bold action?

What I do agree on with the OP is about how the quality of an item has a bigger influence on if the item HQs or not. I'm tired of getting way over 500+ quality on items with no results. I'm not saying +3s should be handed out like candy, but even rank 50 crafters who are several ranks above a synth and have very good abilities are lucky to get a +1 in most cases. This seems a bit off.

I also agree that abilities should not be broken and do what they say they should do. I'm okay with them showing up at random times, but I'm not okay with them just refusing to work. (Also, one time use abilities should be used wisely. If the synth orb is red, it has a higher chance to fail as well.)

And another thing: About the elemental unstables. I do believe that they can be used to actually further your goals in crafting. I know it sounds odd. That thing that you hate that shows up on 90% of your synths that tends to blow up in your face...however, if you can manage to synth successfully through a destabilization (and maintain it without it exploding) you notice certain characteristics of each one. For example, lightning unstable typically nets you more quality and reduces progress by a lot. They are fickle mistresses, however they do and can serve a purpose. It makes it so you're not slacking off as well as they allow themselves to be abused for your benefit.

People just need to learn how to control it given the situation. Such as waiting. Wait is one of the standard synthesis actions that a lot of people ignore. Some don't like to wait because it just increases the duration of your synthesis. However, without waiting, during these unstables (if you don't choose to use them for something like quality gain) you are only setting yourself up for a fail. Which in turn would take even more time to recover. Waiting for even 4 to 5 turns will most likely lose you less durability (and quality for that matter) than synthing through it, failing several times, then having it explode in your face.

I wish some people would try to discover ways around their difficulties instead of just ask for it to be easier. You're asking to take some of the fun out of crafting because the difficulty of crafting is part of the appeal.