As stated above, not able to get the resource to change from anything other than Scrap. Tried 2 fresh configs/installs with no change

I don't think you understand how to use this plugin. If you want the custom item to be something else you must change the item ID. Inside the config.  

You can always add me on discord to explain how to use it properly but I assure you there is nothing wrong with this plugin.  Khan#8615

This does not change the default requirement that is needed to research stuff. That will always be scrap. 

This is a currency system that allows players to earn currency by re-researching things. 

Latest update 2.0.1 

Now has the option to change the default research requirement instead of it being scrap (default) you can set it to any item shortname now like stones

Added the option to set different Research times as well for each item individually.
Few other tweaks as well. 

Keep in mind you need the permission easyresearch.use for it to affect you or any player on your server. 

Also be aware that for the research button to work/show up you will always need like (Assault rifle, for example, = 100 in config but Rust default is 500) you will always need to put in the 500 amount for the assault rifle but it will only ever take out the 100 amount set inside the config.