Changing the medium (dead wood to electrons) will not IMHO make a difference. However the "unsexy" problem you mention is an excellent example. I wouldn't call

Changing the medium (dead wood to electrons) will not IMHO make a difference. However the "unsexy" problem you mention is an excellent example. I wouldn't call it unsexy. It's something that would be nice and interesting, even if low on technical complexity, and there is a clear and mesurable outcome.