Of course in the later MM's you could make your own potions.The Elder Scrolls series rarely required potions after mid-game. I got to where I wouldn't even bother picking them up after a battle: too much clutter.
I don't much bother with Eagle Eye. After gaining Spike, I found that you could fire him whenever you needed that extra slot (the first one filled by the Astronomer who gave you an experience boost with every kill,) and then you could always find him again back near his original cage, happy to re-join your merry band. (Whoo! Is that a Bulwar-Lytton sentence or not?!)