A Potential Replacement for Mending

If mending were to be removed or reworked in a future update, an item that could replace it could be found in a potential deep dark dimension or as loot in ancient cities: Echo Gems (or something similar, maybe Memory Stones). When an echo gem is applied to a tool or armour on a smithing table or anvil it creates a memory of that item. Now, when the item breaks, it is not destroyed but rather goes into a broken state, where it can't be used but can be repaired, similar to broken elytra. This means players will still have to explore to find the resources to fix their tools, but won't have to go through the painstaking process of re-enchanting a new tool when one breaks.