[quote=@duck55223]
Even then those are probably man-made elements that you are creating your self.
[/quote]

Except for referenconium from the Andromeda RP, because apparently that only exists in supernovae which the Romans apparently completely and absolutely control because of course they do, and every planet which you demand it to be on (Mostly the ones you plan to conquer).

You see, what Duck is getting at is the flawed idea that an economy wouldn't exist because stuff we consider valuable is everywhere and cheap. What he fails to understand is that the spices in his damn food were worth their weight in gold, and that economies actually change. There are new materials that are valuable, and the old ones are cheap as shit. He would know this if he was awake during any given World Civ class that involved any mention of Portugal.

[quote=@duck55223]
That a Galactic Trade Network is unnecessary as it's easy to get your own materials.
[/quote]

Yeah, I'm sure Joe McNormalguy has his own fucking mining outpost and freighter that he uses to get everything he needs, including luxuries. It's not like THIS IS SPACE AND THERE ARE BILLIONS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANTS THAT CAN BE USED FOR FOOD THAT CAN ONLY GROW ON A FEW PLANETS WITHOUT NEEDING BIOSPHERES, and I'm sure NOBODY has any interest whatsoever in anything that involves an alien culture. And I'll also bet that trade only means the transport of raw materials, yeah, nobody ever moves exotic foods ACROSS THE ENTIRE PLANET SO A BUNCH OF FOREIGNERS CAN EAT IT. Art doesn't exist either, and FORGET about technology! Nobody ever bought all of their game consoles exclusively from one country because they were ahead in the field, of course not! Every country also has every industry it needs in enough abundance to be self sufficient!