I don’t know that much about GW2 crafting, but this kind of thing is fairly typical in MMOs.
Not saying it’s ideal, but it’s typical.
The idea is that people should help support other professions, as they level their own, or make stuff to use/sell.
Of course, what I have heard about GW2 crafting, is that there is not much money even in max level crafting?
If so, I can see how it would then be annoying to have to spend gold, just to make something that doesn’t make any (or much).
“Turns out when people play the game, they don’t admire your feet at all.” sephiroth