[2023] Alpha 21? TOO GRINDY

I don't recall there being a 3x3x1 frame shape? But presuming there was, Are you sure you aren't just being tripped up by this change:
"Opening the shapes selection window the first time starts with the basic shapes filter selected"
that puts the basic shape filter on by default because the list of shapes is monumental?

Originally posted by Scorpito: LMFAO.... Funny, so funny.

Been here since A4 and we started to complain in A6, 7, 8, 9 and continued to complain about the needless changes over and over instead of adding new and better content. What we learned is the devs have been playing around with the game similar to a self taught artist who draws for the first time, changes it and changes it, till it looks good enough. So the artist eye for this game is Madmole just so you know. He is the one who is "playing" this game from a different viewpoint. Consider him GOD of 7d2d.
So if you want any chance of any changes, best you write to him directly on the official forums. But it's doubtful to be of much worth.

I do think the game is better for a hardcore survival, but for the most part has lost the brilliance it once was, and I don't think the devs care about popularity anymore, they have their money in pocket so now it's just about creating the game they want to play for the rest of their lives. A serious game. Nothing to just come in and mess around in.

The water issue is a huge one, because of different play styles. For example, This completely destroys half of a PVP server player base, because many of them will never go near a Trader, which is camped all the time. If we could craft our own filters and purifier mod there wouldn't be such an issue. But the devs don't care about our play style. When even more people give up on this game, then you will see them bring it back or do something else trying to get more players back, but it might be too late.

PVP is not, has not, and will never be a major priority for the developers. PVP support and balance basically started and ended with extending the Friendly Fire function to allow you to kill strangers or everyone.

That said, Has it occured to you that this change might be preceding a larger change to traders themselves? Yknow, We still have to have other NPCS like bandits and survivors added in, and the story, whatever form that takes.. And they may will relent and allow for crafting the filters down the line after seeing how the experimental and all that plays out.