I resorted to modded experience.

"Snap_Points_Made_Easy by MathiasDecrock" is a mod that allows you to cycle snap points on your building pieces. You can select the snapping points on both, the held block and the destination block. You can also snap-to-closest on he destination block and cycle the snap points only on the held block. In other words, this mod allows you to build a pier while standing on it. No need to touch the water.

"Gizmo by ComfyMods" lets you rotate any block on any axis. It also gives you the option to split the circle into more (or less) degrees. When building in right angles, you don't need to cycle through all the angles in-between. When building precise, you can rotate ever so slightly. You can also copy the rotation of the block you're targeting.

"EulersRuler by ComfyMods" shows building piece health, stability and rotation on your HUD.

Every mod is configurable. Some mods and settings are straight-up cheats, but others are pretty mandatory. For example, stability showing as a number feels great considering I'm an engineer and partially colorblind.