Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

Any time you alter or circumvent the intended game mechanics, it's, by definition, cheating.

Pause quitting to save yourself is 100% cheating.

No, that's enabled by the developers, and is thus (by definition) "intended game mechanics".

Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

Modding the game so Ores can teleport is cheating

No, that's enabled by the developers, and is thus (by definition) "intended game mechanics".

Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

Using Cloud backups to recover items is cheating (Even if it was caused by a crash)

No, that's enabled by the developers, and is thus (by definition) "intended game mechanics".

Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

Using 3rd party quality of life additions IS CHEATING.

No, that's enabled by the developers, and is thus (by definition) "intended game mechanics".

Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

The developers are the DM, you can discuss things you think should change, but ultimately if they don't greenlight it by virtue of making an addition to the game, it is cheating. Full stop, there is no argument to be had on this subject.

Absolutely correct, but I think diametrically opposed to what you think you're saying. "Modding" is enabled by the developers, and is thus (by definition) "intended game mechanics".

Quit virtue signaling and have a proper discussion, yeah?