Some of my fondest memories revolve around this kind of unique, special gift. I'm very disappointed to see it go because it was being used in a way that was disapproved of (but still, as I understand it, legal).
I've loved all of the rp around the meaning of such a gift, the debate of what that might mean for Tabitha's soul - particularly when the sword she made was then used against an innocent. A piece of -her- soul, doing that! The depth of fondness for a piece of gear because it is part of a friend of hers in a very real way. The plotting of wicked ways to use the machine.
Will it ruin things forever? Of course not. But I am deeply disappointed to see all of that rp tossed out with the bathwater. I would have preferred a less drastic answer, as to me what is gained by the change doesn't balance what is lost.