Ah yeah, this is an interesting game mechanics problem to consider since you only get 1 pixel to implement the functionality. I think you’re on the right track, and frankly players will adapt regardless of how you make it work, creativity of the individual is unbound given enough time/motivation haha. I think the important part is refining clear instruction/documentation and making sure it works as consistently as possible across all variations and combinations so we as players can focus on making cool machines instead of working around misunderstood game mechanics!
**In my humble opinion, feel free to disagree :P**