Honestly, schematics are not as bad as they initially were. I would love to see them changed such that if you are using an industry element to create something that is a lower tier than itself, it doesn't require a schematic.
Ex: Use a T1 smelter to make a T1 product = need a T1 product schematic.
Ex: Use a T2 smelter to make a T1 product = no need for a T1 schematic.