Nice, I'll try that technique out.

Providing everything's nice n'tidy navigation shouldn't be too hard - maybe just a torch showing where the main staircase shaft is. I can see what I'm mining even when there's no light source around.

Hmm, maybe my brightness is set too high. T_T

Do diamond axes not go through it quick enough?

(only guessing - not had enough resources to make one myself!)

Diamond axes and picks see to do the job in the same time, but not quick enough.

My original issue with wood was having to go treking around for it but then I realised I should just plant my own little forest in my complex that I renew each time I cut it down.