Some of the attributes like [Dis],[Pla], or [KB] aren't very popular and aren't sold on the exchange often. A lot of people will assume that cause their Phaser Rifle Mk X [KB] is the only one on the exchange, it's very rare, so they price it high, when actually no one else every bothers to sell it. If you remove the modifiers, you can match the lowest price for that type of weapon. I don't undercut. Undercutting is one of the worst parts of an MMO and it just makes it hard for all sellers. I just match the lowest price that's currently up. That way all the sellers get an even chance to sell their goods.
Crafting is a great way to make money if you have the thought and fortitude to check the Exchange and compare prices and what not. The only reason why I have as much money as I do is cause when the Aegis set was put in-game, I spent the day crafting and making as many as I could possibly. At the time, each set sold for about 2 Million ECs.
When I level an alt, I buy white parts for super cheap. I don't waste Energy Credits on stuff that I'll be selling in a week. The bonus with whites is that they don't usually bind so I can sell them after I'm done with the rank. Most the time I get all the money I spent back, if not a little extra. I try to do Explores and what not so I can get most of my gear from Vendors instead of having to buy any gear with ECs. I sell pretty much drop I get that isn't white or just bad on the Exchange and sell the rest at Vendors. You get almost nothing when you Recycle them. If I'm near Deferi or ESD, I'll go to the Deferi Outpost or the Captain's Table to sell my stuff (lol) cause the vendors there give a better price when buying stuff. I think ESD is better for that. Generally, when I'm done leveling an alt, he has 1 to 3 million energy credits in his wallets that he made all himself.
You aren't poor. You're normal. We have a few people in the fleet that are incredibly wealthy in-game and become very generous during Pride season. I'm no where nearly as wealthy as them. I bought one item for 9 Million Energy Credits and I'm feeling the hurt, lol.