Sir Henry Morgan wrote:Perhaps should ask why do we seek a blockade feature?
The answer I come up with "to battle with big ships without (or very limited) voodoo with justifiable risk."
The question is an important one, and should always be asked when introducing new features. In fact, one should ask "what do I want to achieve?" before even starting to suggest anything new.
However, I see a different answer than you. I see this as a way to make ships part of fights for ports and nations. Today, only gold and voodoo matters in such respects. With the introduction of blockades, we get a new element in this fight. Another tool in the toolbox, adding to more exiting and complex strategy options.
As suggested, the blockade will only block trade. However, CJ also suggested that influence could come on the table at a later stage. I hope it does - fighting for influence with ships was one of the things I wanted to achieve with my original "Wars and Blockades" suggestion. Perhaps, for instance, players from the nation controlling a blockaded port lose 10% influence per day in that port, instead of the usual 1%? I see this as a nice addition in the tools available to those wanting to fight for ports or nations.