For your last question, yes. It sounds like a good time to upgrade the ignition and just run a regular wire.
You can't do that with points, OR the stock coil, but if you change to a Pertrnoix Ignitor AND an appropriate coil rated for 12v, then you're good to go.
There are tons of options for coils. Here are a few where you can see some detailed descriptions:
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/category/Bronco_Performance_Ignition
Such as a standard Flamethrower can be used with 12 on a V8, but if you have a 6-cylinder it's recommended to stick with the resistor.
Always look at your "combinations" when working with ignition system changes.
You can find a replacement resistor wire through most of the auto parts store's sources, but it seems to me like it would just be easier to run 12v to the system.
If you need to run a resistor, it might be easier to still run a standard wire and an external ballast-resistor that you mount to the firewall or fender. You've probably seen them as a ceramic block with a tightly coiled wire mounted to it. Different way of achieving the same result as a resistor wire.
Paul