Using the mat traders, as many have said, is key, get the easily gathered mats and trade up.
FAQs.
Is that a long laborious way of doing it?
Yes.
Could this way be improved?
Yes.
Have there been many threads asking for improvement around this issue?
Yes.
Does it seem likely that any change is coming in the very near future that helps you right now?
No.
Should you gather more easily obtained mats and trade them up?
Yes.
Is it worth getting upset with other players/posters over it?
No.