If there is, I stand mistaken, but I haven't been able to find a way, and searches pull up nothing. I have done the whole smithing thing, it would make no sense on this character what so ever, and I have no desire to waste all the levels, and perks on it, is there no one I can pay for upgrades?

Nope. You have to use the skill. You don't need the perks unless you want to craft those armor types (and upgrade better), but I believe with no perks if you have smithing at 100 you can upgrade all armors. Just not as well as if you had the appropriate perk

Also, a high level character gains more benefit from improved gear than a low level character, so you don't need to worry too much about improvements until mid-late game.

Some blacksmith told me he could repair my gear but they dont really do that.

Nope no way at all no short cuts.

Oh well, seems strange, guess I'll have to settle for what I find. Makes you wonder what all the damn blacksmiths are for though.