Uncut skill gem attribute requirements bug

The mercenary has nodes that read "Requirements for gear and gems reduced by 4%". However this does not apply to upgrading uncut gems. Which means you have to equip gear with attributes to upgrade, then unequip it because the 4% reduction only applies to equiping gems and items, not to upgrade the gems. I thought I had everything at level 18 and turns out it was this.

Just found this out today as well, not sure if it's a bug but it has to be right? Can't be intended. You can unequip and reforge a new gem i guess, but obviously not good if you have quality on them or corrupted them.