I had so much fun playing this game! The graphics and sound are pretty good, too.
I'm not sure if this is a feature or bug, but the player can go to big red areas on the arena's top and bottom, allowing a pretty OP strategy.
You're right, it is difficult to pick up tools.
Also, the mesh thing was intentional. Originally, the lotion and graft were consumed (had to get a new one each time) while the extractor was not (stayed in hand). My playtester recommended all items to be non-consumable, so I changed that. The skin-then-mesh system made more sense with the original design, so I definitely agree with your point.