So.... do you get anything good for crafting these badges?
I've just been selling cards for cash...
For every badge you get :
- an icon for that game to use in chat, everything from a pill to a turret
- a background image to use on your profile from that game
- summer sale card (previously was coupons, might be so again after sale)
Also, at certain Steam levels, you get :
- added things for your profile, like being able to have a screenshot showcase
- expanded friend list
- % increase to the chance you get booster packs
Turns out I was right; the summer sale cards are now down to $.15-.17. Sold most of mine from $.40-$.80 as soon as I got them. Was able to make a lot of badges, by buying up cheap ($.12-$.15) cards. I'm 4 exp from lvl 19, and will easily hit lvl 20 (and the 40% booster pack increase) when I make my summer sale badges.
Another tip - after the sale, unless you can get a level that gives a booster pack increase, save all your cards until the Winter sale. Day one winter sale, create all your badges, get (probably) winter sale cards, and sell them on day 1 for $.80 each - profit.