Look at it this way. Would it really be better to institute a system in which marks could be traded for materials and materials could be traded for marks? Exploits would be found. Admittedly it does lock people who absolutely stone cold refuse to participate in any type of multiplayer function, but I can't see why anyone in that camp would still be playing this game. To me strikes were done to death after two weeks. With no option to do heroic patrols theres no challenge and there's no reason to play without other players IMO. sorry if you feel differently. It doesn't make perfect sense, but it makes some sense at least.