Never really ran into the issue but perhaps try soaking the pasta for a while (10-30 min never tried) then it should be able to boil for less time and cook more evenly.

Digestives actually is a pretty good sub! Yeah theyre thicker but I think the most substantial difference is that graham crackers are significantly harder and less crumbly.

Thats the core of cities, they change! Imagine if 150 years ago, all the farmers and ranchers could block their neighbors from selling/buildings because it "ruins the rural character and will bring bad humors". Most of these communities would have never been built.