Definitely agree with most of what you say there
but I think you’re implying that this is a bad thing? Personally, I think that aspect of it is fine! We do want some amount of predictability in what we create from forging (to have stable shops, etc)
I don’t think it detracts from the challenge (and enjoyment) of forging …at least, it certainly doesn’t for me. For example, there are several aspects of forging that I find interesting (and rewarding):
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Optimizing approaches to forging a particular type of item (for example take Merlin’s 3x3 aoe guide—I guarantee that took a fair bit of trial & error, and a lot of prior knowledge of the mechanics). There are a lot of interesting constraints to juggle.
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While forging, understanding when to chance things, or not (and apply removal compounds, etc)
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Using unstable/etc compounds on items I don’t care about getting perfect, and seeing what weird combinations I get
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Looking for relatively unused boons and seeing what items they synergize with (for example, @Havok40k’s example of using gold items and forging for 100% crit rate)