well since the level system is monetary technically you have to be able to afford the ship to buy it and therefore should be significant level.

using money as a leveling system isn't really a bad idea, but it is poorly implemeted in this game. today i wanted to see just how easy the game could be if you plan your trade routes. this is what i did...
1) log in new char, 2000 bucks.
2) go find the flint, sell the loot, 30k
3) blow up depots outside manhattan till i was neutral with the criminals.
4) do a couple runs of cardamine from buffalo to manhattan
5) buy a rhino, start running hfuel to detroit, arms to montezuma, then contraband back to manhattan.

few hours later i have about 500k, no kills and have only been engaged once while i was blowing up the depots.

NO game should be that easy to level in, it completely takes away from the experience. sure i could of fought some enemies or do some missions, but why? a level one mission gives you 2k, you can run a load of contraband from buffalo in the same time, less risk, and make more.

I agree, the best trade routes gives too much money. I got 450k and the Dromedary in just above 4 hours (and that includes the 30 mins it took me to find the base where they sell the Dromedary). I took 2 missions at first just to get the Rhino, so no faction is hostile towards me (making trading even faster and more profitable).

1) log in new char, 2000 bucks.
2) go find the flint, sell the loot, 30k
3) blow up depots outside manhattan till i was neutral with the criminals.


Number 2 ... go find the flint? What does that mean?

Search south of WestPoint