What about an "active" buff tool? Basically, it's a tool that buffs a part instantly, as long as you're still pointing it at the part. If you move, or look a different direction, the buff disappears. So then you have the choice between a passive buff you can walk away from, but takes a lot of time to build, or an active buff you can apply instantly but that you must remain stationary to use.
Not necessarily advocating for such a thing, just brainstorming possible new engineer items.