Well, I was thinking it could effect stability when increased or decreased and could be used to build large projects, hire mercs, create special (though not truly elite) units, build ships, buy the people luxuries etc. etc. With a set economy and wealth, taking various actions would be a little more defined in terms of how we're doing them. For example, Vaalgard payed me two cities and 10 tons of gold to end the war. The cities are clear benefits but if we aren't defining wealth, what can I do with the dropping-load of money that I couldn't claim to already have been doing? It could also be a balancer as Nastrond has extremely loyal citizens with a somewhat damaged moral compass that produce a one of a kind metal, some of the best equipment and they support a military with extremely disciplined and well-trained soldiers. While other nations have advantages like numbers, navies, technology and vague wealth, this would help make trade and riches more important in game. Thus allowing slightly less militaristic playstyles.