It seems like maybe the Salvage AA (occasionally returns components when failing Trade Skill combines) is not working.
I don't remember ever seeing it proc, and just went through something like 6-7 stacks (so ~150 combines) of hardened lizard hide while making tae ew sacks, and never got a salvage proc once as far as I could tell.
Maybe not the most important thing in the world as Trade Skills aren't in a great place anyways, but thought it would be worth noting.