It isn't based on quality at all. It's based on progress. The higher your progress, the less effective name of the elements becomes. Therefore you always want to use it near the beginning of the progress bar. Some at level synths won't be finishable by 2 as a result of this.
From the leveling up perspective, I've found it more difficult to get HQs than the old system, but I'd also try to not go 4-5 levels without upgrading gear since dropping a few hundred k here and there if you went that route would frankly be better just going into leve items. The gutting of Hasty Touch and Rapid Synth can also be felt since I've had some attempts where I've spent Brand/Name and still have like 1/3rd the bar left and whether or not I finish depends on getting a Good for Tricks to pop a WN.
Either way, certain Charity leves are even better than before with the EXP boosts. Even some single turn-ins are fucking bargains, now. Of course, if you've got friends willing to make the items for you, do it. My general sentiment at this point is that they made the system too top-heavy.
It's definitely more annoying now for people who weren't already 70+ omnicrafters. Even at cap I find myself tripping over shit occasionally because I'm not used to using Innovation as a God buff that works on everything.
I honestly don't like what they've done to crafting. I do like the changes to gathering though. Quick Gathering is great and stealth would be awesome if it weren't for the stupid fucking animation that can't be turned off without removing the buff.
Ishgard restoration is this upcoming Tuesday?
Yep along with ultimate!
So now that I have multiple crafts at 80, I invested in the i460 HQ crafter set. But they have a couple meld slots each so what should I prioritize melding for stats? My white scrip gear on GSM was pretty overkill for what I actually crafted so I'm assuming this will be too even without melds
tbh I just follow this guide.
https://www.xivcraftingguide.com/51rotations
But for basic rules its CP then Craftsmanship to complete the craft in however many steps and Control to reduce how many HQ mats you need.
Not gonna lie, started reading that and my eyes just glossed over hard. I am waaaaaay too much of a filthy casual to get that involved