QUOTE(KCzz15 @ Jun 27 2012, 18:23)

Interesting thing I just noted, it doesn't need high-grade wood at all to upgrade, which makes me wonder what the heck does need that stuff.
I can't find the chart, but current Magnificent and Legendary drops all start needing 5 MG and increase need of HG as you upgrade, so nothing generated recently will need HG on the first upgrade. Some much older stuff with stats outside of the current limits (overall quality above current unit scale; 1 max) will start off needed HG. For example, my staff is ancient and reportedly has a quality of 1.4, which would explain why it started at 3 HG and 2 MG per upgrade. Fortunately it caps at 5 HG and doesn't start going to 6-8 HG.
It's a little depressing for me, but I knew those Exquisite+ bonuses would eventually produce something near my staff quality. Comparing magic scores, yours is only about 10% worse than mine (if you use Elec) but considerably easier to upgrade.
500 hath is a good price for that staff at current hath values.