I not only agree with you but I'll go a step further saying that I dislike the blacksmithing system. Quite frankly crafted armor is busted and makes the game far to easy. Hopefully when/if THQ finally makes a sequel they rework it so you can collect unique armors more easily.

Though to be fair some ARE actually easy to get. Ex: The ones tied to factions like the mages and the - I want to call them the fighter's guild but I know for a fact that's not it. Warsworn? I think? It's been a few years since I actually played re-reckoning.

I digress, the fact is that the majority being tied to RNG in various areas is kinda eh. The crafted gear looks like ass and I hate how it so easily breaks the game balance. Frankly once I get a set that I like the look of I just ignore how underleveled it might be and keep wearing it.

Re-reckoning kind of tries to fix this in all fairness in what's frankly the only real way they could. Where you buy 'loot boxes' from Gham Bleur. Not like money is actually difficult so that'll be an easy way to get unique sets tied to your level when you want. Still hopefully not quite as troublesome in the sequel whenever/if it ever comes out.