Thanks for playing my game and for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Have some check backs if you don't mind.
Regarding keeping track of what places you have searched already, I expect you havent' noticed the icon showing the crossed-out bag in upper right corner of these cards, right? Maybe I have to add another tutorial card introducing this item as well, as I haven't done for this particular one yet. The spreading cards I have adressed as best as I could - think I can't get closer to a good solution than that. https://humane-tiger.itch.io/9-dayz/devlog/585215/feedback-quest-5-spreading-car...
When new items get put in your inventory, the inventory button grows and shrinks for a sec. The total item number in brackets is usually also going up. In case of a sharp stick, however, the new item is traded with one old one (branch -> sharp stick). So the number stays the same. Might have to add an additional "+X" in a certain way (will note that down). Your game is also soooo complex, I guess you know that problem, one having the impression that it never gets finished (no matter where, there is always one thing more that also needs to be added ;-)).
Have you used the almanac? Has it given you valuable information? It's the new feature I was adding lately - any feedback for that in particular?
How far you got?