I would like to see crafting of all types take the path of gilding, in some ways. For example I want to make a pie there are general things that will be need say flour and water but what goes in it should be my choice. So if i wanted a fish pie I add whatever fish i choose and then the game acts as arbiter and selects the qualities of the fish and applies the bonus to the food.
Another example might be armor. I can select say chainmail. I then choose my metal and the game determines not only quality but the bonus the metal provides. ie. steel hardest, iron hard, bronze average.... This way every metal counts even if may not be well suited. At least it gives people options to use what they have the best they can.
We already have guilding for what used to be stock clothing and items. Let's expand such a system to all crafting. This way you are the master of what you produce. It also answers the need for more customization. So simply we have base patterns and the materials are our choice, even if we choose poorly.