I can't think of any game that has done that

What I was thinking about, but I did not want to push people down that path by stating it, is a "fabricator" user interface, similar in looks to the key chain dialog. You put X number of items in, click the "combine" button, and if the game can do something with the stuff, you get Y number of items back.

Actually Bob was part of the SMP, you talked to him over Skype several times, the two of you know each other. I am sure you can just ask him to do the code adjustments you need. He is a nice guy and I have not seen him not want to help.

Remember how HAM started? The discussions we had before HAM became a known acronym? Things have a tendency to get bigger.

What if the transformation is not possible in the current configuration due e.g. attached items.