Based on the replies so far, it sounds like more information is needed to clarify what's being proposed here. I'm from Keith96olds' guild, so I know what the issue is, as we've discussed it.
Currently, when making comparison trades in the market, there is a "rate" shown in one of the columns. Many players are under the impression that this is the value difference between goods of different eras, so they attempt to "even out" the ratios between high and low value goods that are not the true value, thus creating unbalanced trades. Unsuspecting players often accept these trades without realizing they are being cheated. The "rate" is only a ratio of quantity, so goods of eras only 2 levels apart may be fairly traded at 1:1, 1:2 or 2:1. But if you try to trade goods from Bronze level with those of High Middle, for example, the goods values are completely skewed. In essence, one of the traders with be severely robbed.
It's one thing to knowingly agree to trade goods of superior value for those of little value, while it's another thing to assume you are getting an "equal" trade because the market shows you a 1:1 deal (5 bricks for 5 dye, anyone?) just because you're trading the same quantity across the board.
Showing a value difference in a column with trade comparisons would at least let all players really know what they are agreeing to.
Secondly, and even more importantly, in my opinion, we would like InnoGames/FoE to consider making it possible to trade directly between all the goods from each era without forcing traders to limit their quantity ratios. This would allow each player to decide how to scale their trades (fairly or unfairly, as they choose). For example, a player could offer 5 bricks for 40 dye, which is a fair trade, as far as the pyramidal, value system actually works currently; as it now functions in the market, however, if you try to input these figures, you are warned that the quantity ratios don't work. Of course they don't! You can't place a limited qty. ratio (faux "value") on a pyramidal value system. They work at cross purposes to one another.
The solution is to allow the full range of trades from lowest to highest era. The ratios can even be left in the table for comparison purposes, but they shouldn't define the physical trade limitations. That should be left to the traders to decide.
The proposal is in your favor, traders. This is a win/win. Trades will be made faster, too, with less waiting for people to accept your offers -- because you'll be able to ask for what you want, and not have to wait while you trade 5 different types of goods to work your way up or down the eras.
I'm all for making these changes. I hope some of the rest of you will agree.
