I use both formats interchangeably IRL and know people who'll use one or the other.

Although the cost of using cables increases with depth. So once you set that up, deeper levels shouldn't be so bad. With those you'd be able to place two, then link them together with some cables and teleport between the levels you connected. To go along with the escape rope I have added elevators that you can purchase in 0.6. I'm perfectly happy with the depth of the mines. Unless you're stopping to clear out all the rocks on every level. Mine: I'm not sure how it took you an hour to get down to the silver level O.o. They're meant to be a bit more work than chickens as you say. (I already made the brush only take damage when fully brushed). And making the brushing take less hunger. Have the cows have a smaller chance of getting sick if not cleaned. Only things I'd be willing to change are making the brush take less time.

How many floors are there before you get to the next section? All my tools have been ready to be upgraded for ages now, but I can't get the materials. I spent about an hour with another player just trying to get down to 'level 2', and despite loading up on water, food, and torches, eventually we ran out of materials and had to quit and go home. I also find the mines to be way, way too deep. I see a lot of other players not bothering with cows after a while, too. It's maybe 5 times the work for only twice the reward. To care for a cow, I have to hand-feed it (until the glitch with the troughs is fixed), talk to it, brush it, and milk it, all of which takes a relatively long time and sucks up a ton of hunger, and the reward is only 100g. That's a quick 50g (or an egg for food) with no energy cost. I know it feels less realistic, but to care for a chicken, I just pick it up once a day and make sure there's food in its tray, then steal its egg. It could be helped a lot by having the brush be just a 'right click once and you're done' rather than having to hold it down (and lose loads of hunger in the process).

Is there any chance of modifying the care of cows (and maybe sheep - I haven't gotten them yet)? I understand that they are supposed to be a bit more work than the chickens, but as it is now, they are simply not worth the effort at all.

Harvest moon mod 1.8