Loot -- Be Careful of What You Wish For

[smegged]

The main problem is collecting crafting materials in a timely fashion. For example, my wizard in Act 1 of Hell can salvage 1/5 of the items (51+) for wishful essences. However, I could simply vendor them for 200g each. I could either make 100 essences, which would only allow me to make a dozen items plus crafting costs, or I could just sell 100 blue items for 20k and buy a better item on the AH. I'd estimate it'd take about 500 to make something decent... all for an item I'm only going to use for a few levels. Most items in D3, aside from boots, gloves, and jewelry don't have much longevity.

Then again they sell for 500g each on the HC GAH.... so that ends up being the best option anyways. :S

The earlier essences are even worse off; chances are by the time I've collected enough, I'm already out of the difficulty.

Sure, things are always cheaper on the AH. But honestly, using the AH is the fastest way to disengage with your characters. I largely avoid it. The game is more fun that way. And fun is why I play games.