One of the main aspects of Minecraft is breaking and placing blocks. To break this experience would fundamentally change how the game feels.
For instance, if we added a handheld drill or hammer item that could mine 3x3 tunnels, complicated external bore drills would become obsolete.
When you change a critical game mechanic that way, you change the way people play the game and the progression of the game. Usually, it makes the
game less fun or repetitive.