It wouldn't work for me. If I'm buying flower seeds I want my preference in height, color and varieties. Vegetable seeds I might go for, but then I'd want them all to be early maturing and the best flavor--Naw it just wouldn't work--not for me anyway.

I do split seed orders and other gardening stuff with my next door gardening friend but then we both have input into the seeds or whatever is bought.

OP,
I think you are right. The exchange for me would have to specify a theme, like:
Plants that withstand heat in the South, Southeast and Southwest.
Height no more than about 24".
or in your case
Plants suitable for Zone 3 planting with certain guidelines.
The benefit is getting some very good commerical seeds at wholesale prices.
Incidentally if anyone wants a copy of Geoseed new price list, email me. Growflroses@yahho.com
It is not officially out yet but they will email you one or I will.
Bob

Well, This is going to happen, we have three members who are going to split our orders but we do want to add one more person.
A person gets hooked when they get a Geoseed pricelist. Because they are a "wholesaler" you get 5 times to 50 times more seeds for the same price.
I got hooked because their seeds had the best germination.
If anyone wants their 2011 pricelist just to see what I am talking about, email me at
Growflroses@yahoo.com
Bob