welcome to the world of Engineers..
no what OP says is true, BS/engineers relays to heavily on alchemy, yes we get our BASE materials from mining(i'm engi/miner) but for our high-end stuff we need alch which tailoring/leather working/alch and the other professions.
and we relay on a CRAFTING PROFESSION NOT A GATHERING PROFESSION.
go learn what is what.
Skinning=gathering profession.
Herblism= gathering -----
Mining = gathering
Cloth farming = gather durp.
Alch= Crafting profession.