If you think trading is so ineffectual, then you're failing to set up your trade routes by considering that
a) The relationship between distance and gold return is exponential; hence the longer the distance traveled, the better.
b) Trading with your own TC's earns a whole lot less gold than with an allied TC. Trading with allied TC's generates +50% gold.
Under favourable conditions, trade generates gold faster than mining. Of course, you aren't going to get favourable conditions in the average 1v1...but still.
On the practical side of things, it's usually wisdom to set up a trade route well before you run out of gold. Even if there's still plenty on the map when you start producing caravans, losing control of a mine will hurt you. And training caravans and getting them working takes quite a bit of time.
And for what it's worth, it's usually far easier to raid caravans, since gold mines can be protected due to their comparative concentration.
TheShædøwDåwn
If you're like me, then it's possible you're a clone generated from my stolen DNA. I suggest you turn yourself in for destruction immediately.[This message has been edited by TheShadowDawn (edited 01-12-2004 @ 03:32 AM).]