The redpower tubes is a dumbed down version of BC, I'm not dissing Eloraam by any means, her mods give everyone access to the more complex sides of MC. but after using RP2 I can say that creating automated generators with block breakers and tubes is something anyone can do. You don't need to plan space for engines or wiring, all you need to space to run cables on machines and spaces for tubes.
IN reality any good tech server that focuses on building and exploring should use both space toad and eloraams mods. Volcanoes and a few additional ores are nice to have in any world.