I know this has been suggested and howled down in stupidity previously. But, the new bonus system has got me thinking.

1) We keep all current government types.

2) Add an additional 'customisable' government type.

This government type starts with 3 points that can be assigned to different bonuses.

1 point
+3% increase PCI
+3% pop max
+3% bushel production
+3% indy production
+3% Oil production
+3% TPT
+5% base explore rate
+5% Tech effectiveness
+5% Construction speed
+7% mil strength
+10% spy effectiveness
+10% buildings gained from attacks
-10% mil expenses
-10% building costs

2 Points
-5% pm prices
3% market commission (instead of 6)
1 turn attack
+5% tech max
-20% decay/corruption
-20% oil consumption
-10% food consumption

3 Points
0% Market commissions

Once those points are used up, then the country can gain more points for the following penalties

1 point (max 1 or 2 reductions per area)
-3% increase PCI
-3% pop max
-3% bushel production
-3% indy production
-3% Oil production
-3% TPT
-5% mil strength
9% market commissions (2 points can only be used once)
3 turn attack (2 points can only be used once)

Once set, bonuses could not be switched. Thus, if a player wanted to switch bonuses he/she would need to go to monarchy first and then back to custom (14% penalty etc etc). It would allow a more customisable approach, and an option for different styles of play. People that are new to the game can begin with one of the current governments and as they learn then they can start to customise. The other thing is that it would ensure that players had to take on penalties in order to get bonuses. Of course with specialisation there would be penalties that would make minimal difference to income etc.

Flame away

Ya i was looking at an option like this a bit ago; i'll take a peek at your numbers sometime here perhaps ;)