> and some crafting items really shouldn't cost so much as it's hard enough getting the recipe and materials..when you get to the crafting your not going to bother making extra to sell/give away because it'll cost you half a days mist energy.
Which all gets back to the need for a good economy.
If you have an easy way to trade items for crowns with other people -- just like you can trade energy for crowns with other people -- then crafting becomes far more reasonable and desirable. (Which helps Three Rings by sinking more energy).
And if you have that sort of set up, the next step -- player shops to automate the buying and selling of things and finished products -- becomes a big draw.
Why are you so concerned about the economy?
I don't think there even was an economy before you came in.
So basically, you've invented the economy, and you've made it a problem.
Congratulations.