I like this idea, but let's expand on it. Some would say to just go in and lower your crafting skill level temporarily, but then you'll still get Max level mats half the time.

I propose 2 options. Either A) occasionally from Max level daily writs, you get a consumable that temporarily (1 hr maybe?) overrides your material nodes to a certain level. This could get messy because they'd either have to have it be random or code in a special menu to select which level.

B ) Put these consumable override items in the voucher vendor, for a small voucher cost. We need more sinks anyway. Maybe have them in the crown store too.

I'm only suggesting this because it seems like a very powerful skill to just get for doing nothing.

Have different characters at different crafting tiers and use those characters to collect survey maps.