we wouldn't want it to turn into a science class though XD
if minecraft has thought us one thing it's that coal+wood=torches
we're gamers not science teachers XD
Actually from what I've seen of Minecraft's crafting on YouTube, that would have been a good model for the crafting in Skyrim. Make it just a little more in-depth. As it is, I have no real complaints about the crafting system, I just wish there was some way to use various things to customize armor and weapons. Surely some bandit-wannabe would want shoulderpieces on their armor made from human skulls of their enemies, or maybe a helmet made partly from a bear skull or something? Maybe a cape made from a bear's fur, that sort of thing, just like armor can be made from dragon bones and scales. If you want fancy armor, maybe you'd have to find some gold or copper ore for some inlaid artwork, or maybe have a shield with an elaborate crest drawn on it. There's a lot of potential there.
Hell, I'm surprised the hard-core RPers aren't full-time begging for this, rather than talking about how they want a more in-depth cooking system or wishing their clothes would get wrinkled over time so they'd have to use the clothes iron for something.