I totally agree with you that the level of greed exhibited by many players when pricing basic sub-combines is totally over the top! I have taken to creating all my own chemicals rather than submit to the degree of robbery that has become standard practice on my server.
The good news is that since the Feb 17 patch, (Live Update #3), we have been able to make our own WORTs and bypass these would-be robber barons! Here is a reprint of the specifics from that update:
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- Four new crafting abilities have been discovered: apothecary, weaving, timbercraft, and geomancy. These skills allow all artisans to refine the materials and components needed to make final products. New recipe books can be found on merchants or scattered throughout Norrath which teach you how to use these skills. Artisans automatically gain 5 points per level in these skills.
- New events and reaction arts have been created for apothecary, weaving, timbercraft, and geomancy. Reaction arts for these skills are based on thaumaturgy, binding, woodcraft, and geocraft. These skills increase through use. The higher your skill level, the better your chances of creating higher-quality items.
- Using the new crafting abilities to create components not normally made by your profession requires additional fuel, since you aren't a master of the skills from which these new recipes originate.
You will find the recipe for Eolith Temper as well as those for Stroma Oil, Stroma Resin and Stroma Wash in the level 2 apothecary book. Have fun!