What does extensive Z-offset processing in Creality 4.8 slicer mean? How does it differ from a simple Z-offset setting?

Question

I am facing a problem where the nozzle begins scrapping only on one side of the print as the print thickness builds up on the bed. I am building a skirt comprising 10 rasters as well and over there the bed level appears to be pretty uniform on all sides around the print.

In this context, I wanted to understand what the extensive Z-offset processing means and if this could address the problem I am facing. The Z-offset setting I have is -0.06 mm in the slicer and -3.15 mm on the printer. There is no scrapping on any other side of the printed object.

I also want to understand why the build plate adhesion setting (highlighted in the image) is shown as off while I am building a skirt around the print which is set up from the build plate adhesion setting.

Answer 1

TLDR: The Extensive Z Offset Processing option changes the G-code for any/all Z movement.

According to an answer by fieldofView on the GitHub question Z-Offset incrementing in some situations?:

You can try setting the "Extensive Z Offset Processing" option. This will change all the Z coordinates in the gcode instead of manipulating the coordinate system. [bold mine]

I was able to confirm this from an answer by ahoeben on the Ultimaker Community question Cura settings: Improving naming and descriptions:

This is provided by the Z Offset plugin (which - coincidentally - I wrote). Keeping this setting "off" is much faster, since it only needs to insert a couple of lines of code. Turning the setting on will need to process the whole gcode file and modify all moves that have a Z value. The option is there because the better, faster way does not work on some specificly broken firmware versions and printers. [bold mine]