I think the wooden planet idea would have been visually beautiful, but as many have stated, wouldn't really hold up under scrutiny. Like a modern day Ridley Scott film (zing!)
Alien 3 is my favorite in the franchise, and contrary to this podcast, for totally non-hipster reasons. I like the visuals and music the best of the series, and it's my favorite Alien costume design. The workprint version has only enhanced it, in my eyes. As is repeatedly said, it's amazing that such a wonderful film can come out of such a clusterf$%^ of circumstances. Shame Fincher won't talk about it at length. I might go revisit the "making of" documentary.