I would be fine if they tied upgrading an item to actually knowing traits in that item. This would separate real crafters from scrubs, and make end-game crafters actually useful.

For example, something like this:

• To upgrade an item from white --> green, have learned 1 trait for that item (sword, dagger, shield, whatever item)
• To upgrade an item from green --> blue, know 2 traits for that item
• To upgrade an item from blue --> purple, know 4 traits for that item
• To upgrade an item from purple --> gold, know 8 traits for that item

This would mean that a real crafter who has spent months working up his profession would have a purpose at end game. Want to upgrade that blue greatsword to make it purple? Find a crafter who knows 4 traits in greatswords. That's not too bad. Want it to be legendary? That's a big deal. Find a master crafter who knows 8 traits in greatswords.

You shouldn't just be able to have a new character who's been in the game 20 minutes upgrade your end game VR 10 epic greatsword to make it legendary. That's just lazy game design. Put in some requirements with bite, and reward dedicated crafters instead of just any old random player who otherwise doesn't have a clue how crafting works.

• The difference between a real crafter and a nobody is defined by the # of traits each knows in the items he can make.
• Crafter level means nothing since it can be leveled easily by anyone. Learning traits = mastering your craft.

i would even go further and have the base chance of of upgrading an item connected to the apropriate crafting lvl. sth like 1.34% per lvl + the ingredient (giving a maximum of 33% on its own depending on the numbers used) that way to have a garanteed success you would need a "grand master" blacksmith to have a 100% chance of success. while all others would still have a chance(33%+skilllvl) but will more likle destroy the whole thing due to inexpirience...

traits are neither a usefull measurement thanks to respec shrines. btw. every item should be worn down like in daoc that was one of the reasons its economy was flourish no item was ment to last for ever.

Traits learned have nothing to do with respeccing.

Learning traits requires many hours, days and even months to learn. That's the only true measure of a crafter's skill since as you said, respeccing makes crafter level worthless.

Traits learned are the only thing that separates a real crafter from a nobody.