Potential solution to the glowstone and barrel issues: Have you considered a custom texture pack?
I know there are dozens of more-than-capable spriters here that would be happy to construct a purpose-built rupture farms pack (if asked really nicely I might be one of them - its not like it's difficult).
You may be against the idea because you might be after a vanilla minecraft feel. If so, I fully understand and appologise for the intrusion.
Love this either way. To bits. Lost for words.
Just bravo, keep it up, and all the best with future progress.
~Blessed be
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