Well, the reason I like interacting with the environment is because I think it adds some depth to how you influence everything. This way you kind of have to creatively uses your influence if you want the best results and it isn't a case of "X dies!" or "X lives!". Like there could be a phenomena called Growth which cases everything to grow/ reproduce much faster in the region. This might help your agenda or creatures, however other entities steps in and abuse your ability for free.