This event is a thinking/strategy game. If you don't have the time/patience to properly learn how to optimise your digging, then sure, it's going to suck.
On the other hand, if you take the time to learn how to best utilise your tools, you can make out like a bandit in this event, as it's far less RNG swingy. (ie: no more getting 'RNG-screwed'...)
Don't worry though, if boring, ran
dumb mass-chest clicking is what floats your boat, mover half of the events every year are just that... then you can instead whine about getting RNG-screwed vs. whining about the time/tactical challenge of an event.