I really like the idea of adding a late game resource like promethium to boost quality somehow, or just as an extra input for the legendary step-up.

We could even expand on this idea.

Green quality- needs +1 (special item from Volcanus, gleba or Fulgora)
Blue quality- needs +2 (special item from ...

I agree being overwhelmed by intermediates is user error, and it is baked into the system.

But remember, I am advocating for a change in that system. I love some by-products and finding interesting ways to be more efficient. I loved sea-block mod, and A+Bobs.

I think the complexity should come ...

Imagine my late game run, I am making legendary Iron plates, copper, plastic, steel etc. on Volcanus. Then I transport it to other planets who need it. My main bus on Navius is unneeded now, I don't need to expand and get more basic resources. On Gleba I just need to make science and carbon fiber ...

usafphoenix,

I appreciate the thoughtful reply, I kind of assumed I wouldn't see any. When Factorio changed the 1st step of oil refining to just petroleum, it was because it was a jump in complexity for newer players, and I didn't mind either way. Consider a new player adding speed, prod, or ...

TL;DR
Quality items and equipment are super cool and fun, the process to upgrade them is bad, make it simple.


What?
Change the recipe of all quality upgrades to (3 normal quality) = (1 uncommon) etc. The recycler is 1:1 ratio downgrade. Delete all the quality modules. Delete all green or greater ...