For the ask about alpha Dave's money, remember the rules of alchemy. The game is designed so that the only stuff you can make pre-entry is really basic stuff like cubes and what's already in your Phernalia Registry. Most stuff requires non-build grist, like shale, and that requires imps, and that requires entering. Rose theorized this was to prevent someone from starting the game and alchemizing infinite stuff without ever opening your Extruder and potentially causally invoking a meteor (1/2)
(2/2) If you could alchemize stuff without needing non-build grist, you’d be set forever. Fortunately, SBaHJ stuff alchemizes at a negative cost of artifact grist (this and zillium are the only grists seen like this), so you could do it without entering the game. Alpha Earth is seen covered in artifacty Lady Liberties bc Dave made so many to reap the massive grist spoils of their negative costs, and sold the grist off for money to finance his movies.