I have to say I don't mind the complicated crafting in Pantheon. I also like the potential to rely on other professions in order to produce a finished item too.
I do think it needs work on letting players know what a finished item consists of in material terms and sub components, especially when you are away from the crafting stations. This would help in picking up the items from the bank without having to go to the station, open the craft page and find you have forgotten beeswax or something. Such a pain.
The reason I mainly like the sub component approach, is this; when Pantheon gets in a proper trading system, I can see a market for the raw materials, sub components and finished articles.
Nope, for me, I like the complexity. However the interface does need work and we do need a trading system in place for early access.
I like crafting being a bit complex, but would love an in-game notebook or discovery journal for items you have crafted (along with component steps/items) to keep track of the recipes (like for cooking) if it isn't going to show us a crafting tree with the various needed parts. Definitely agree the interface needs work.
I agree that crafting feels overly complicated at times. I don't mind complexity in crafting; I think it adds depth. However, the main issue I've experienced is the lack of clear indication of what is required to complete a recipe from the start. I'm not asking for handholding, but a nudge in the right direction would be appreciated. I enjoy figuring things out and avoid looking up solutions online, as it takes away from the fun of discovery. Even a vague riddle or hint would help steer players without spoiling the process. I don't know the answer, but it needs something.
Regarding the UI, I actually find it intuitive. It clearly shows me the types of components I need.
The crafting is a pretty great system, aside from how grindy it can feel in the current shallow end of the pool. (It's not as bad as it seems!) I feel like it is extremely flexible and will allow for some creativity to shine at the deeper end!
That said; reliably populating components for combines at combine structures seems like it could help, (0/3 Asherium Ore but Craft away! some *may* get twisted over) but would also remove some of the
"think about it on your own" that I like so much, and is a valuable asset to the ones who figure it out in the setting of a world which I feel Pantheon is being designed to be.
Anyway, I have faith in the devs and the Vast, Overwhelming majority of the wonderful community to figure it out and not compromise it down to
"video game" territory and allow it to thrive as a World!
With an awesome community!