Welcome to the forums, @Feign.
I like the idea of experienced crafters being able to make better tools than novice crafters. I’m almost certain it’s their intended direction. The current system will no doubt change once the Centraforge is implemented;
One other note on the current imbalance. If you have the required skills it’s actually cheaper to make Refined Metals than Compact, and cheaper still to make Machined - as 36 Compact can be made into 50 Refined, and 36 Refined can be made into 50 Machined.
It seems a little backwards that the highest tier of metal would be the easiest to make in bulk.