I've been very patient with this bug, knowing that I could simply move to Darkshore and begin skilling up mining and engineering there. However, now that I'm there I have discovered lvl 60s running around and collecting copper ore for easy cash. This really detracts from the fun of the game, being totally unable to use my professions (I want to make bullets, guns, and other stuff I can USE with my hunter). Yes, I can go back later and skill up these professions, but a large part of the reason why engineering is fun is being able to utilize some of the higher-power items for their level (early helm, stronger bullets, etc). If I spend an inordinate amount of time running around Darkshore I would inevitably get my professions up to an appropriate level for the content I'm on, but we're talking hours upon hours. Days even. My hunter is lvl 17 and has only ever found 2 copper nodes to mine.
Yes yes, free server, nobody cares, go find somewhere else to play, etc. I just wanted to vent, maybe demonstrate to the management how totally un-fun this bug is.