Well I certainly do not want the crafting of Fallout 4 or Skyrim implemented, this indeed is just clutter and a way to lengthen game time.
However technically Cromwell or Cespenar would count as crafting as well, as some pointed out. Throne of Bhaal also implemented potion and scroll crafting. I could totally see that in this game and hope it gets added.
Reason why this makes sense is simply that the fighting mechanics in this game are complex and you are supposed to use consumables on a large scale, since they offer new ways to tackle encounters. However players tend to just hoard the consumables and never use them out of fear that they might not have them available in a later fight. So the option to craft three potions/skills per rest like in BG2, or in a similar style like you brew the antidote in a cauldron with one ingredient, that is fine. Since food is now a reskinned healing potion converting those items would make sense, now, too, especially since their value at traders is non-existant.
So, the ability should absolutely be there, since Larian wants you to make use of poisons, oil, fire, barrels water, etc..
