I think that a high number of mats being required for some items is due to wanting make the process take more time to complete. I get that.
But I wonder why the mechanic of cooldowns is not used instead? Having certain professions being able to transmute or create high level mats on a cooldown seems to accomplish the “take more time” goal.
And it gives the professions a boost, in that one can make some money by selling the items. Actually, I would prefer just making the item for someone if they have the mats and just getting a tip. But with no person-to-person trading system, that won’t work here.
But if you do craft, you can just make the item for yourself, but only one per week, for example. And surely guilds have crafters of every variety?