Not hypocritical, I also mentioned substitutions because Bending isn't actually real but, of course, you failed to quote that. And in this case you're saying some can physically (rather than kenetically) push a skateboard to the top of the tower. That's why it's irrelevant. Yea, it's force, but why use an impossible example to support your case? If you say "but they can bend th skate board, how bout that?" Then we are back to square one, where we ask if that's possible. So no, I'm not being hypocritical. The skateboard example is dealing with physical connection where Bending deals with kinetic connect and we've already established the two are different by looking at how Bolin, Su, and Lin pushed a tall building over on their own.
Earthbenders didn't do it beause is so inefficient. Imagine this: You're in the middle of an intense battle. You decide it's best to use your remaining strength to lift a boulder from the ground, hop on it, then sail right towards them/away from them. Catapult would be much easier and way more effective that Earth Smash flight. Now this is Minecraft where circumstances are a bit different, although we strive so much to be as close to real life as possible. Here, our catapult could have a long cooldown depending on the server. I need a quick escape I use my catapult to charge my EarthSmash rather than to run away. While flying/sailing on the earth smash you can recharge your catapult which would also help in your escape. Although not efficient in real life, it'd be useful in Minecraft.
