Well, you're in luck! The most recent community Q&A has a lot of promising information of the forthcoming crafting improvements.

For the time being, I've had to give up crafting, with the exception of Biochem; my obsessive need to craft all artifact-gear was beginning to cripple my forward progress in the game. But I'm glad to hear that Synthweaving is working out for ya.

As for an orange belt -- have you considered looking to see if any heroics give one as an award? I'm certain Google is your friend here.