Why do we need the resource exchange, though?

As it stands right now, bidding is the only way to get resources. While some of them are wildcards, it’s likely you’re going to get a project where you have dead weight resources. Also introducing a more expensive way to get any resource is useful when considering a bid: helping to prevent swings in the perceived value of Funds in relation to bidding.

An attempt to peg the value of funds to resources…

If you folks want it, I’ll play along. I do think resources by bidding only is more interesting. And valuing those dead weight resources is interesting play. 

I think gaining Investments and Funds should be a 1:1 ratio, but otherwise I like this.

Unconvinced, and per Derrick.