I did not like portals until I discovered ore can not go through them. I wish they never existed but with the limited inventory, weight, needing repairs, and forgetting to bring something kinda makes them necessary. Without ores going in the portal the cart and boat get regular use. The world size remains to feel massive. It adds logistics and problem solving. The moment of finally making that full set of armor and upgrading it feels that much better knowing the effort it took.