This level of freedom is the dream of every researcher on the planet. Yet, it's unclear why these resources should be devoted to your projects.

Because some people like my earlier papers and think I'm writing papers on the most important topic in the world?

It's impressive that you all have found a way to hack the system and get paid to develop yourselves as researchers outside of the academic system...

Note that this isn't uncommon. SI is far from the only think tank with researchers who publish in academic journals. Researchers at private companies do the same.