I dont see this as a fun item added on a whim, the game is changing, and for players to generate the games resources then something has to occur for those resources to be generated.
So as the goldsmith creates bars, fishing vessels will now create food.. though I am worried about the potential new voodoo card " Roll Mop Herring Party" as a way to bump the income even more.
We could see cotton plantations happen next in the hideout, and you have to grow the stuff and transport it to provide for the sails..
These are interesting times we should embrace the change, not every thing will suit every player but the diversity is encouraging to say the least.