I never said rests are necessary for that.
You literally just did. Twice:
Rests are necessary for that IN PEN AND PAPER.
Rests are not necessary for this.
Because its a simple way, and the simpler the better for P&P.
It's no simpler than auto-refresh out of combat. In fact, it's more complex since you have to actively keep track of resources over time (Even more so if there are any non-combat related resource uses, such as using spells to bypass obstacles or taking damage from traps). Rather than an auto-refresh system where you only have to track resource usage during a fight.
Rests are not the simplest way to manage resources.
Rests are the simplest way to manage actions.
Which is relevant in both TT and video game design.
