The fact that I go into a "safe spot", hold down right click, and watch TV while the sifting is going on should speak volumes about what I think about it.
Growing dirt? ... Yea, give me an automatic tree cutter, hoppers to stuff things into the barrels, and hoppers to pull the dirt out of the barrels. I'm not playing. And it's a boring way to earn the right to play.
This is Mine, Craft. Not "Vein chop, grab, stuff, remove, repeat Craft".
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My episode 5 is uploading now. ... Silly counting, 28 clay needs 4 times as much sand and gravel ...