For example, running a lvl 48 bow as a 73 ranger - it's good but I know I need an upgrade. The three ways I can get it is either buying/drops/crafting?

By crafting I typically gamble a bow and then drop regals/exalts and hope for good rolls? Am I doing this wrong and wasting tons of exalts. Besides buying just want to find the best way to get my gear upgraded.

poe trade site for upgrades, especially for non try-hards

best bet is to trade especially with the current drop rate, crafting could produce something decent but trading probably be faster