good ideas. This would be a lot more fun then the current random standard synthesis over and over again. I was thinking that maybe every 10 levels or so the mini game could change in some way to make it more fun. That way it wouldn't be the same mini game for the whole time that you are leveling that one craft.

To add to your idea, maybe the way something is made can change depending on what item is being made. Like if you are making armor rather then a weapon. Or you are making a part of something rather then the whole thing. (exp. Like you are creating cloth for clothing would be done differently then if you were making the actual clothing.) It would give a lot more realism and variety to the game.