Swen has said, regarding crafting, that some people really like it and some really don't like it. To me crafting seems de-emphasized in DOS2 versus DOS1.
In a way I feel that DOS1 has the right balance of crafting: there is are skills (crafting and blacksmithing) that you can invest points into if you wish, when leveling up. And you can create your own powerful weapons and armor, which, as Esperologist says, is an elating experience. Yet the power of crafting is balanced by the fact that you don't have to do it at all.
Having said that DOS1's crafting is more enjoyable for players who want to craft (in my opinion), I must say that I enjoyed DOS2's crafting much more with Larian's "seedling / herb garden" modification. Even if it is overpowered, the mod invited me to try out crafting for the first time. (I completed my first playthrough with no crafting other than arrowheads and arrows.) It is fun to farm for potions!
