First off, I'm not saying the costs should be dropped to rock bottom prices, but 5k for items is just too much. Why does it cost so much in the first place? Oh I know that one, "gold sink" right? Fine. Gold sinks are a necessary evil in GW's economy, I accept that now.
But how about a compromise instead? Lower the cost of max dmg/AL items to 2.5k instead, and the high end ones from 10k to 5k. People might actually use weapon smiths again, if the prices were more reasonable. Even standard armor pieces don't cost that much! I see no reason to pay 5k for a sword, shield or bow that only have a common skin. Sure it has max stats, which is what I want (in my current case, a shield with RPD -5/20%), but the cost does not make it worthwhile. I'm forced to use a lesser value shield from a drop, with imperfect stats for how I play.
One item as an example, a Communing Focus (E+12 Req 9 RPD -5/20% HP+30). Materials required: 150 tanned hide squares, 50 glittering dust and 5k gold. That's more than what's in some armor sets my characters wear, total.
All I'm saying basically is the cost is too much. Make them reasonable and people will make more use out of them, but still keep them a gold sink if you must.
...And would it hurt to make the skins more varied, like regional perhaps? Every weapon smith makes the same skinned Tactics shield, or Longbow, or stave... expensive and boring, no wonder they are rarely used anymore.
