Don't forget that the optimization of the teraforming mechanic was not JUST meant to change how cheaply you could raise the ground. Instead to increase performance on large, more developed bases...

"This patch has been taking extra long time to develop due to the new terrain-modification system. The new terrain modification system is made to reduce the number of network instances and make loading faster and smoother"

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/892970/view/5411613798265437192