Probably because crafting is expensive. If you're making gear, all you really get is trading class features/monster traits for a higher WBL than the rest of the party. If you're making golems or something, you'd either be spending money to make inferior minions or end up as a blander version of Echidna in terms of your unique specials.<br/><br/>Being 'the crafter' is one of those narrative roles better suited to an NPC in general.