In plasma processing system, a method for optimizing etching of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes selecting a first plasma process recipe including a first process variable, wherein changing the first process variable by a first amount optimizes a first substrate etch characteristic and aggravates a second substrate etch characteristic. The method also includes selecting second plasma process recipe including a second process variable, wherein changing the second process variable by a second amount aggravates the fist substrate etch characteristic and optimizes the second substrate etch characteristic. The method further includes positioning a substrate on a chuck in a plasma processing chamber; and striking a plasma within the plasma processing chamber. The method also includes alternating between the first plasma recipe and the second plasma recipe, wherein upon completion of the alternating, the first substrate etch characteristic and the second substrate etch characteristic are substantially optimized.