I think everyone would agree mod 8's crafting addition was an epic failure. My suggestion more or less retains the current system but eliminates most of the randomness.
1. Change runes from nameless types 2 colors. Give each rune type 8 colors. My suggestion would be red, white, blue, black, platinum, gold, silver, copper; ie Dragon colors.
2. By combining these runes in the device u get an effect that is consistent. Could either be 4 runes and the armour or 5 runes combined make a rune of "*******" which then is combined with armour.
3. Increase the exchange rate for stones for runes by an appropriate multiplier 2-4x current exchange rate.
4. Maintain bind on acquire for the runes and stones.
I believe the community at large would welcome such a system. It would allow more casual players 2 actually have a prayer of attaining the armour they desire. Make the power gamers happy because they can grind with more of a purpose. Maintains more or less idea behind system and enhances it. Should be relatively easy 2 code.
Idk seems like a good idea 2 me. Tell me what u think?