Any chance of bringing item blocks to current version?

We are still using version 2.0.1 on our server as we haven't found a way to replicate the old behaviour of setting an item to 0 which blocked placement entirely. I've tired everything I can think of including modifying the code to look for -1 in the config as a signal to block placement. This works but only after the players have placed one of the blocked item.

Is there anyway we can block placement of an item entirely using the current version?

Also looking for this same function...  Anyone have any tips to prevent using certain items. i.e. SAM Sites or Windmills