I only just found this but, in case you're still testing things, here's a couple of hints:
- it is possible to navigate in the dark;
- it is possible to climb even without stairs, so you can usually get out of subterranean pits even tool-less; it's extremely rare to get into an actual “save-ender” situation
- as your tech level progresses, you'll discover ways to automate most things;
- do focus on getting ore; there are hints in the rock to where it may be.
@rglullis @Rooki (OT: the last paragraph in the post has a couple of typos. I believe it should be TINSTAAFL (also I recommend making it an abbr for the less informed), and there is an “under” that should probably be “understand”)