Like I said in the beginning of this post, I know this isnt something that would be intergrated anytime soon, just making a suggestion for the future. I think it would be a good addition to the economics and automation of this game. I know the game isnt finished yet but I have maxed number of characters atm and sometimes its hard to keep them busy. If I could send them off on different routes with different materials to make me some cat, its better imo then watching them stand around and slack off. This could be detrimental later in the game when currency is more important than it is right now. I see alot of potential for future upgrades to a trade route system in this game. Unfortunately that means more dev work, but I think the outcome would be sweet.
On a sidenote, I also dont think this should be a completely "ALL POSITIVE" experience for the player. Im sure there is a way to have raiders or bandits spawn randomly along said trade routes after the player establishes them. Could make room for a named mob that can only be found when your trade routes are being attacked or even just chance encounters, quests, etc..
Bad idea?