I think it is possible.

I feel the major sadness that comes about is from the 'randomness' of things. If perhaps it was less random (but still required the same amount of time) then maybe we'd all feel better?

Killing Ifrit 10 times and still not getting a single drop will make you sad.

But what if you KNEW that if you killed him 50 times you will for SURE get something you want? Then you would be happy.

So the 'time sink' could shift from relying on randomness, to relying on number of times you repeat an event.

Granted, that is just as 'boring' (Off to Kill iffy 50 more times to get the claws!), but I think it is a step up from: Off to kill iffy 50 more times.. Hopefully I'll get something.

Either way, time sink accomplished!