I kinda relate the economy/crafting to the Port Royale series of games. Great stuff! I usually despise crafting but even that's kind of addictive in this one, especially since hauling cargo (and the dangers involved) is part of it.
And you two! BAH! English? They outnumber all the other nation's players by 3:1 on the servers. I went with one of the underdogs: Spain! I'm even using the "Montoya Rapier" right now. Prepare to die!