Battlesnax, you obviously don't know Gallia too well - not that it's a problem, many don't - but we're asking for a sell point in Champagne - the Council's system. Why would be taxing some one bringing us things we needed?
Secondly, the Council cannot rob traders - or tax them unless they are carrying contraband - in this case we'd have to first claim the ore is contraband and then rob the traders blind as they come through the mine passage.
The whole point of this is too further boost activity in Gallia - if we camped entrances to Gallia how exactly does that help?
Thirdly, we WANT to send trade ships in convoys - its the only trading I can abide - we even have our own trading wing in operation - the IMG - who we imagine our supplier would be - probably would insist on the ore being hauled by an outside group - or the Council -as annoying the Gallic Crown wouldn't bode well for them.
Fourthly, if your mining in O-7, I'd have thought you'd like to see more customers looking to buy your ores?
Fithly, we shouldn't give up because activity failed to ignite after the previous attempts - I'll point out that never has there been the economic stimulus to trade in Gallia - sure - there's plenty of fancy commodities, NPC's were suitably nerfed, but it's still a ball ache to travel to and in (if your unlawful/non GRN boot-licker).
Finally, Teschy, beat me to all the important points - so really, if your reading this, you've kind of wasted your time. I'd quit now......still here? Why? I'm just repeating what Teschy said -well, not this bit exactly - but....nevermind.......nope....I got nothing ....... Q_Q