I also just got a Death Door resurrecting at Nidaros gate. And I most definitely have that quest done, I remember desperately looking for those Nidaberries.
Tier 1 mats prices were lowered recently to help out the beginners.
I haven't ran the numbers recently, but I never actually had much of a problem financing my crafting (Skinning & Leatherworking mostly). I didn't even have much of a problem while the prices for T1 were higher at vendors. Try shifting your perspective a bit, away from strict collect-craft-sell-> profit and I'm sure you'll find a way that works for you.
It has been mentioned before and I agree it's needed. There should be an in game list of all quests, for those of us who want to do them all. Maybe the notice boards could be used for that, or the innkeepers could give you a run down, even if only each for their own area.