Moved to help.
So I was raising my cooking skill today and I noticed that an item would push you up 2 levels for 3 star (or 3 for 4) even if it goes over the level which it increases proficiency for (10 levels over) (Yes I know food doesn't have stars, but it still works the same way). I was wondering if you're in the 89-99 or 189-199 etc period if you can craft lower level items and get 3-4 stars if it will raise you perhaps 1 level? I just tried goldsmithing for 3 stars, it didn't work, but perhaps 4? Does anyone have a definite answer?