> I think - Disable base surface, is the best option :)

I'd still prefer to focus on other better ways to achieve the end result rather than a special option that only eliminates one individual step.

It would be better if you could make a raised or indented area directly from an outline curve and avoid several of the other steps as well.

Or also another thing that might work is to automatically do the "disable base surface" thing when you are extruding a face that is part of a joined structure.

- Michael