We always play with it. I think it improves the game -- it, effectively, adds more money in to the trade system, and gives more incentives to trade, especially early in the game. It also gives another focus for conflict.

Thanks for the input.

I have a follow on question: Does this variant work like Mining in that it cannot extend the total value of any Commodity beyond that as printed on its card OR do you get a "virtual" additional card e.g there are 5 Silver cards and assuming you hold the 5 AND New Carthage, would you be able to trade for 6 (value=216) or are you limited to a trade of 5 (value=150)?

This was not clear in rules - it gave an example whereby Salt was increased from 3 to 4 cards but since there are 9 in the deck it doesn't address "going over the limit".

I'm guessing that the same limit applies as in Mining but wanted to ask.

Thanks