Just a thought and not sure if it was already mentionned, although I don't recall seeing it.
But if Turbine wants to keep shards and crafted items Bound to Character instead of Bound to Account, why not reduce the minimum level of bound items ?
Which would bring ML to :
Unbound = Same as what you find in random loot
Bound = Lower (-2 level or something) like if it was Race-Restricted
This would have the effect that Bound items would be a little better than Unbound, giving a reason for players of every levels to craft for themselves instead of waiting for Unbound shards.
You would get the items two levels earlier on your next life (or first life if you invest time in crafting) or at 20th you would be able to pump a little more into it than otherwise.
There's got to be a valid reason to create Bound above Unbound shards/items.
My 2 coppers.