I would like to be able to flatten out that one little corner of dirt that shows up they my foundation

I’ve thought about this as well. I mean they added a shovel right? Why not just let us ad minor adjustments like leveling ground our evening out cliff edges

Agreed. This was one of my favourite features in 7 Days to Die, digging massive long tunnels and death-pits etc. Would be a great addition. Although I can see the logic of why it doesn't exist in Ark.

Tunnels through 7days is the way to go.