Idiot Genius Strikes Again - Small Changes, Devastating Effects - An Irate Pirate Rant
"Minimal hauling" doesn't mean what they think it means, unless you buy their Rotterdam DLC.
Tobbaco plantations are even less worthwhile. Capturing of 1st-3rd rates for income is "almost impossible." All Lineship production is stymied - until the developers add more ports, turn of contracts, or just dumpster the idea altogether.
Expect hotfixes. Lots of hotfixes. Until then, Ink and Admiralty Speaker will be kissing the gunner's daughter as the player base inflicts the regular, post-update proverbial lashing.