A few suggestions for the exchange that might make life quite a bit easier (so we don't have to search through 2000 Positron/Gravitron/Tachyon Deflector Arrays just to find that one Regular Array to craft at the very end):

• Search Exact Name: Only shows items with the exact same name as what you type into the search box
• Sub-categories for larger sections
• Filter by Price
• Filter usable: Only show items you can use
• Filter Affordable: Only show items you can afford

Another thing that might be helpful for tooltips is to change the text color of items to red if you can't equip them. For example, If your a Lt. Commander and the item is for Captains, the word Captain would be red.

I agree, a bit more comfort would be great.

Two flavour suggestions: Rename the Exchange to "Great River" and put Captain Nog in charge of it.