1)Add crafteable and upgradeable tools for every profession. Tools would provide effects like reducing crafting times, gathering energy, increase the amount of items received, harvesting a special resource, etc..
2)Add different buffs to food and wine. Could be as simple as 10% increased speed for 1 hour or small chance of 2x items when crafting.
3)Having a high lvl skill should have a meaning and provide benefits. Skillwise a player that started a year ago and one that started 2 weeks ago are almost the same.