I am somehow still learning things about Diablo 2.
Well occasionally.
I did not know the cracked and extra low quality normal base items could be upgraded. Maybe its because I never thought about it or pick them up.

The next is thst phase blades have no durability.
How have I never noticed this?
Ive had probably over 100 smoter and other chars. And even just gamble rolling for perfect grief. And have never noticed they dont have durability

Don't try to socket those upgraded cracked or low quality items. You'll be very disappointed.

Well it depends what you wanna roll
For a bunch of items it helps to repair a cracked one cuz their lower amount of socket happens to be what you need
Armors still roll 3os at ilvl 1 (unless restricted by their natural cap)
Same with shields and auric shields, which can be useful to roll the early RWs but also dream/dragon
Staves still roll up to 5os, which guarantee 5 or 4 os depending on bases to roll cta/memory/insight
Axes still roll 4os, for uhh... oath I guess haha