I hear ya S,cast iron is magic.
I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack,but can hold my own in a kitchen,and as a student of engineering.For the life of me,can not explain how cast iron imparts that "love",which our G-ma's referred to in their discussions on the subject.
Obviously,a bunch of bullet casters,"get it".I do know that there is a serious dis-connect going from modern gas,electric ranges and what G-ma was "proving" with her wood cookstove.She's building a fire before sunup,and it doesn't,go out 'till after supper.
As such,the cast iron pots N pans never really leave the heat.Compared to a modern cook,with modern range.We hit the juice,throw a pan on and want it all at the perfect heat,right now.It just doesn't translate well.
So,yes to your methodology utilizing wood heat...but it's still magic?