I've got something similar except the number of items I want to produce is set by the constant combinator. The new logistics groups are awesome for this because I can have the combinator synced with things I want in my inventory.
I also have the radar network set up where trains report the items they have and stations request trains with items they want so I can request more materials be delivered to my omni-assembler when I need them.
The downside I've been wanting to fix is the need to specify all of the intermediates that are needed. That's not too hard to fix, of course, just attempt to make ingredients that are missing (like you're doing).
I've also been wanting to try and change from using a constant combinator to using the requests on the logistics network. So then all you'd have to do to get something added to the recipe list is start requesting it.
Social media is where most of the blatantly false propaganda lives. Getting all of your news from it makes you more susceptible to propaganda, not less. These are people who have nothing to form an opinion with except for what the loudest people around them are complaining about most. And propagandists are the loudest ones, complaining about made up bullshit.