Agree with Narshe (#4941): I found out that the embers could be alchemized when the event started but held off on alchemizing them until mid/late-event (when I ran out of recipes) in case they had a more significant use later on. Considering how users weren't informed of the bigger point tasks or reassured by the staff when the event started, it wouldn't be inconceivable for the staff to surprise us with another use for them near the end. Combined with the existing issue of quickened turnips/turniplings - an account bound starter pet - being unrestorable if they are accidentally alchemized when a user first starts, it's not exactly an encouraging situation for some users to 'experiment'.

People did ask earlier on (a week ago or maybe even before that) whether the embers would be needed for anything else and did not receive an official staff response until now. During this period, many users used up potatoes and conecakes buying or trying to alchemize recipes instead. Calling others 'nit-picky' and needing to be 'spoon-fed' when they're asking for a confirmation that would improve their experience (in an event where there was already a pre-existing lack of transparency in other areas) feels a bit unnecessary and extremely condescending.