I do like it. I agree with Lord_Ebon for the most part.
I believe that you should be able to make a Pristine quality items if you just counter reactions, as it is now you have to mash durability as well as counter reactions to make anything Pristine.
If you do something like this with the Primary Tradeskills make reactions REALLY matter. If you get a successful counter allow a durability and progress increase. If you miss a counter loose durability but keep power in check like Lord_Ebon stated. The worse the reaction the worse the penalty (Major Distraction vs. Minor Distraction) and vice versa with successful counters.