When I started play EOS I though that I'd invest time into smithing to enable me to have quality weapons. I soon found out that increasing smithing was quite a tedious process and my skills never kept up with the level/quality of weaponry that I found in loot.
I can see that there are number forges where multiple traits (8 in Cold Harbour I think) can be added but because melee is so underpowered I almost always use weapon skills (dual wield) in combat. Weapons skill have set damage values and I was wonder whether it make the slightest bit of difference whether I'm hitting the MOB with a top quality legendary weapon or a stick.
If the quality of a weapon doesn't modify weapon skills, smithing seems rather less attractive (especially when I'm wearing medium armour).
I am one of The Great Mediocracy, those whose role in life is to provide the baseline by which The Few deem themselves Great.