Inspect every crate first
Count total goods, not just one crate. A manageable request can become expensive when the same scarce product appears repeatedly.
Compare with departure time
Check whether your machines can finish the missing goods before the boat leaves without using Diamonds. If not, helping requests may reduce the gap, but they are not guaranteed.
Value the reward honestly
Puzzle pieces, event progress or other special rewards can justify a harder boat. Ordinary XP alone may not justify draining a carefully built reserve.
Prepare the next boat selectively
The preview can guide production, but do not overproduce every listed item. Maintain core ingredients and decide again when the boat arrives.
Field note
Sending away a poor boat protects time and stock for the next opportunity.