Optimize resources to level up data python

I have a list of items e.g

• Springfield Squad * 10 (ItemA1)
• Tommy gun squad * 5 (ItemA6)
• QF6-Pounder Mk IV * 2 (ItemB2)
• A13 Covenanter Mk III * 1 (ItemC2)

.... ....

Resource list I have is represented as:

resources = {
    'itema1':0,'itema2': 4, 'itema3': 1, 'itema4': 0, 'itema5': 0, 'itema6': 0,'itema7': 0, 'itema8': 1,'itema9': 0,
    'itemb1':2,'itemb2': 7, 'itemb3': 0, 'itemb4': 0, 'itemb5': 0, 'itemb6': 0,'itemb7': 0, 'itemb8': 0,'itemb9': 0,
    'itemc1':2,'itemc2': 3, 'itemc3': 0, 'itemc4': 1, 'itemc5': 0, 'itemc6': 0,'itemc7': 2, 'itemc8': 0,'itemc9': 0
}

My data sheet is as below

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1S5QdxQongeVjEaAZp0lDbI6VMnfWle0nRRPdpW7cYv0/edit?usp=sharing

Rules:

1. Level 1,Level 7 -- > 3 Similar items on combine to make level 2 item( 3 * ItemA1 = ItemA2 , 3*ItemA7 = ItemA8 )

2. Level 2,4,6,8 --> any 3 items can combine to make next level item (i.e at level2 ItemA2ItemB2ItemC2 = ItemA3)

3. Level 3,5 --> 2 similar items can combine to make next level item ( e.g 2 * ItemA3 = ItemA4)

Problem I am trying to solve: What is the quickest way to reach level 9 of any item type (a to h) based on the items I have?

For example based on the resources above logic is what I'd try to use.

I will first attempt to take item type A to level as I already have a level 8 resource there. If I can't make it reach level 9, I will ensure that the rest of resources use maximum permutation for type A to reach as high level as possible to ensure that when I have enough resources I can progress sit to level 9.

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