Hi 28ithomason,

the hints bar of our exercises are particularly made for when a user gets the answer incorrect so that they can learn from their mistakes and correct the issue, we also strongly suggest that students should use videos and articles to help and to write down formulas that they need in order to solve a particular problem. Another thing is that once a user gets the answer incorrect they can click on the hint bar which provides the steps and correct answer for that question. But if you are referring to when a student doesn't understand the question and they need a hint, then they should feel free to go back and look at the articles and videos on that subject, Sal(Founder of Khan Academy) has even provided videos on which work with students on a question or exercise that he has ruled as challenging. Also, the hint bar does not take away energy points but does mark the student as incorrect solely because they used a hint. But I do understand what you are coming from but for those reasons, I'm not sure if Khan Academy can change that.

Hope this helps and if you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.