One thing that may help out is building a comp/decomp alt.
That way you can always decomp your high-level mats into what you need for your money making production.
Agree it does take time to work on a comp/decomp [and it does help a lot having both on same char] but once done it is often a life-saver later on...
Good point, I never think to use the production skills besides the potions, scrolls, and stones. Maybe I'll try that if I have time...I have 1 slot for a character left on this account :P