no, i dont mean the tec-only envoy induced thing, i mean the basic trade pacts everyone gets with all thier allies at the start of the game.

In fact, it does seem that they do do something...  in a 5v5 with locked teams, you will find your trade ports will be earning more money than in a 1v1, if your allies have trade ports, and i feel that getting at least one trade port in a 5v5 is going to be very very benificial to the rest of your allies on your team, even if you are not in an econ slot. 

I do not quite understand the game mechanics behind all of this, I am just pointing out the mechanic's existance.

however, trade ships are also stupid dumb retarted, and will kill themselves if you are not careful... so yes, your trade ships are earning more money, but your trade ships are also killing themselves, which also hurts your income.

just thought id start a discussion on this.