I really think there might be a pattern that loots improve just before unlocking hidden skills. If this is a normal loot pattern, then I suggest if you know you are close to an unlock, that you push hard in your crafting/mining/hunting just before the unlock and see what the loot brings you. Yesterday I was on the verge of unlocking CS, and the mobs were very helpful by giving me loot that I could use to afford more ammo so I could keep hunting. My guns are still cooling down from all the shooting, so I think I'll go back to healing sweaters and doing TP runs for awhile. :D
