the workbench crystal attunement still works I used it my last playthrough with 1.8, haven't tried it with 1.8.1 yet. I have decided to tackle USM compatibility first before I tackle anything else, the remote tells influence should be compatible still afaik it's on this compatibility list (HH or SH might be able to answer this better than I thou), if not I may fix it when I get irritated with usm compatibility patch. Before anyone asks it will be compatible with M4-78EP, I will be getting what I need to make this happen.