[Nevermark]

Even if you need X, Y, and Z to make something valuable, it doesn't mean X and Y are valueless without Z.

If you were the only person on the planet, then yes.

But X and Y still have option value. You can sell them our service them to others.

You can keep them, and continue looking for Z.

But X and Y are not valueless. You are just trying to take them in a direction (needing Z) that isn't deploying that value (until you get Z).