Directional Port Selection with Crafters

I was thinking about the way the crafter works. It is already going to be a very helpful automation block as is, but sometimes the setup may be trickier than most players would like, especially with recipes that contain items with a max stack size of one (like dispensers using a bow for example). I had an idea to help combat this difficulty. Give each of the nine ingredient slots seven states:
1. Disabled,
2. Enabled (Omnidirectional),
3. Enabled (Only receives items from the top face),
4. Enabled (Only receives items from the bottom face),
5. Enabled (Only receives items from the back face),
6. Enabled (Only receives items from the left face),
7. Enabled (Only receives items from the right face),

This doesn't have to be the Crafter specifically; it could be an upgraded variant. Say, the Ported Crafter, for example. Craft it with a crafter surrounded by eight hoppers, or perhaps eight buttons.