Crafting systems are always a thorny problem in MMOs. They were originally invented to give non-combat players something to do. The ability to build armor, forge swords, create healing potions, or make magical robes for wizards meant that players who weren't interested in going out and whacking a thousand orcs for a 3% chance of dropping some sort of "Hammer of Uberness" could instead have a fun and interesting play experience supplying those who did. Crafters would often have a separate leveling or skill system, and there were stories of crafters in games like Ultima Online and Star Wars: Galaxies who could go for six months without ever seeing combat.