Seems counterintuitive to say the least. Don't waste time crafting. What is never explained, that relics are the only way to raise PL after a certain point. Doing Tarot "Hunt" mission is a reliable way to get relics. Once you get a good one, and a few junk ones (weapons with bad stats) go to techpriest and "fusion" it. Put the one you want in the middle and junk around it. When it hits 100% you max the item and get bonus stats. Small items hit 120, 1HD/Armor 180, sometimes it bugs and gives you an extra point. Currently im 1506 PR, Good luck.