So I have spent a lot of points filling up the tree to Master Gatherer, activated it, and then went out farming.
Having the skill fully activated makes no difference to not having it at all. I tested it on three characters and asked two friends to do the same and we all had the same results. First, we thought it's just the animation that is messed up but even when timing the action there is NO difference between having the Master Gatherer or not.
I mean you made it a lot more expensive and difficult to obtain - at least make it work?
"You insisted on fighting, do not resent me for dying."