We have become a nation of shopkeepers! to misquote.
Except the whole point of someone going out to collect resources is to then construct with them. Besides how would you even improve the CNR system, it is what it is. Harvesting for later use. That is what its supposed to be; a ranger searching the forest can be Rp'd however but if he's going to get wood then he is going to get wood.. with an axe.. unless he just needs broken branches etc in which case you can RP that. I don't get the paladin thing at all in how its related unless your talking about a paladin farming to give food to others or making healing supples.. last I checked one goes out and picks them or purchases them, there is no other way unless you can suggest one? You could just do a fundraiser (like Rollins did) though if your a pally, thats a more exciting way to collect CNR (except for those collecting perhaps). The crafting part itself is (to me anyway) what seems to be in dire need of improvement rather than simply finding intricate new ways to burn resources for no gain unless you succeed.