Can you perhaps explain what you mean by that rather than doubling down and restating your metaphor as fact? There's no opposing action in crafting (like there is in a battle system, or for example Parley); it's as much of a battle as hitting a hammer with a nail is a battle. Prior to 1.21 there wasn't even any interesting game-theory to run with, no trade-offs to be made, no meaningful action choice. There's nothing fun about having to input a command within X number of seconds or you turn into a pumpkin, and lots of reasons why it sucks (being called AFK, having to answer the phone, etc.)