Steve,
 
You made some interesting observations and tying together of scripture.  There are things about that parable that I too struggle with in finding the understanding.  Just reading your thoughts about the foolish asking the wise for some of their oil.....and I realized,  that what is wrong with the picture is that they had been apathetic toward understanding how to get more of the oil "the spirit".  They had thought so little about the necessity of it, that they hadn't been motivated to research in how to get more.  Then they are told to "go buy from them that sell."  I have pondered that and realized that to buy something, you have to first have a currency worth value to the seller.  That means you have "earned or worked for the currency" so that you have something to purchase it with.  Then your research into the word Faith. 
 

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I believe that the currency is "to them that diligently seek him."  It is payment as such for that.  As you diligently seek him, he gives you more of himself through the presence of His spirit.  This is the most valuable asset a christian can have.  The apathetic foolish virgins, however, are given the time to diligently seek him but the time it takes leaves them on the outside of the wedding banquet rather than inside as a participant. 

 

I am submitting an article that I got in a newsletter this week on the preparation.  You might enjoy reading it

 

Blessings