Alright then, another question for you. With 100 smithing, will I be able to improve something more with 20% better improvement gloves *and* the potion or will it be the same with just the gloves?
I seem to remember reading on the Wiki that they
do stack. Also, and forgive me if this is a dumb question, have you tried the apothecaries in just about every major city? You might have to go to every one, and only end up with a couple potions until they restock, but it's not like you need that many if you do all your smithing in one go.