If I understand your issue it is to reduce the number of statted items in the process. I must admit I am not an RE expert. Yet!
I think this is what you want to do. Stock up with lowly, non-exotic modifier bits and some crates of Casual Shoes with sockets. Get 3 items with one stat of 16+, 1 item with 2 stats and1 item with 3-4 stats, the latter two can have any strength.
Boost power bits.
- Create a power bit from the 1-statted item
- Create a SEA using the power bit and a lowly modifier bit
- Add the SEA to a shoe
- RE the shoe to get a power bit, hopefully stronger
- Repeat from 2 until wanted strength
You should not need to use RE Chance PUPs until you have them up to about a strength of about 28, so possibly, first boost yourself a number of power bits in that range not to waste PUPs.
Make the multi-stat SEA:
- Do the above for the first power bit and create the initial SEA with the modifier wished for, remember that if any exotic modifier should go into the final SEA it must be done in this step.
- Boost a second power bit as usual, but do not make a SEA straight away. RE the power bit together with the 2-statted item to get a 2nd order power bit with retained strength. Create a second SEA with the 2nd order power bit + the initial SEA + modifier wished for.
- Analogously, boost a third power bit but use the 3-4 statted item to turn it 3rd order. Create the final SEA using the 3rd order power bit + the second SEA + modifier wished for
I have heard of other ways to turn the boosted power bit 3rd order which involved making a SEA with Camo and RE it to get the power bit back, which should be 3rd order in 95% of the cases.
I have not tested the above steps personally, yet, but have a run of shoes in the factory
Let me know if the above works.
/Zimoon