Yes, I have downloaded the server, the arch, and the maps. After some poking around I finally found the skill definition file in the arch, but even that doesn't present the full picture. It only matches up each skill with its "cauldron" but if I'm not mistaken, some skills can be applied outside workshops like Alchemy and (as I accidentally discovered) Jeweler. Speaking of Alchemy, I think the CF website might be wrong in the usage instructions-- you don't "cast alchemy" over a cauldron. That will cause your ingretients to become nuggets. Instead, you "use_skill alchemy" which will instead cause your ingredients to become slag which is at least a step in the right direction.
I think that examining a skill-scroll should give you a hint of situations where the skill can be used, so you can make an informed decision as to whether to buy that skill or hold out for some other one. Otherwise, the only players who will buy skills will be rich ones who don't really care about or use most of the skills they collect-- they just want to have the "whole set".