The Idea is simple.
Obviously, it had already been thought, and rejected because of OP/others reasons
What I suggest is just a bit different because I've tried to make it in order not to be denied.
So, what I suggest is a machine wich could make up to 3 process in one time (for example, macerating, then burning 2 time for having refined Iron from Iron Ore)
Of course, because it allow you to do it speedly without a complicated system with RP2/BC, it would be expensive and high EU-consuming.
To chose what process you want to set, just put the right machine in the good slot of a line of 3 slots at the top (here, macerator for the first slot, furnace for the 2 following) --> Then it would avoid the problem of making simple machine useless, because you would need it in a slot
Recipe:
=Glowdust
Input: 128 EU/t
Run basically the process (1-2 or 3) in 5 sec, what could be improved with Overclocker (but Overclocker for 128EU/t, it would probably be a bit hard to make less than 1 sec ^^)
So this machine increase EU-cost, is very expensive but make you spend less time between the different GUI.
Be more efficient after having collected a lot of ressources, that's not the aim of IC² ?