Now I am not as well versed in game dynamics as the vets but I do have a suggestion.

Port influence.
Currently port influence can be affected positively in only 2 ways. A gold investment or Charity Donation Card.
I propose a third way.
A persons influence could be affected in a port by the hostility list of the ports controlling nation.
Examples:
• A PvP win against someone on a nations hostility list earns you X% of influence in a port controlled by that nation based on the total hostility that player has with controlling nation.
• The higher the hostility the higher the % of total influence gained.
• Inversely, attacking and beating a citizen of a controlling nation would affect your influence negatively based on similar formula.
Now why would we do this?
Currently the only way to build influence is gold and voodoo. These are both commodities newer players do not have a lot of. This would allow newer players a way to contribute other than gold coins and voodoo.
This would also bring a whole new dynamic to PvP battles. It would give some players more incentive to engage.
This could also be incorporated into coming diplomacy mechanics.
It should be a small enough percentage that still gold coins are main influence builders, but a large enough percentage to amount to more than a cursory and unnoticeable effect. Maybe a cap put in place.

As I said I am not as well versed as some in mechanics and dynamics of the game, so as far as how it would work, I am not entirely sure.

Curious for opinions and comments/ suggestions.

Plato

+1, I like this idea. I would love to have a greater opportunity to build my nations port but as you said, being new I do not have lots of voodoo or gold necessary to boost my influence like some of the old guard.

+1 Very few suggested "improvements" I read in the forums are without a self serving motive behind them. I believe this one to be beneficial to all parties without aiding one more than another. I think it is a great idea. You may even add a bonus of some sort for shipping immigrants in. Great idea Plato.

I don't think this is a good idea. In general, "newbies should be able to do what veterans do" is not wise. Fighting players with hostility is good for ranking up in nations. For influence, get your gold first. Port control is advanced play. It requires a team of players, some of whom should be strong ones, with lots of experience. Earn your gold first, then spend the billions required for port and nation control.

Also you should separate between ports and nations. A player has hostility towards a nation, not a port. Influence is gaining in ports, not with nations.

-1 I agree with Haron. Influence and port control is advanced game play as it requires considerable wealth to obtain and maintain. As well, why would another nation want you to gain influence in their port because you attacked a player who's nation has hostility with them.