Brilliant ideas that are not currently implemented.
If you play on PC, there is a mod for the crafting with materials near, but not in the station.
Also, as mentioned above, if it’s been awhile, the build system is much more like Raft now. In that you first craft a construction hammer (not the same as the repair hammer, sadly) and then use it to access build menus.
Snapping has gotten easier for some pieces.
Placement of tables and such, has not. For a few of the newer crafting tables, their collision box is outsized from what their appearance would indicate, so be ready.