>I like a "small ship" Empire. And 3% of GDP is not really a small amount

I thought 3% was the total Imperial take, but that only 1% was directed to the Navy, putting military expenditures more in line with Canada or Japan. Article 3, Section 2: "The revenue gained thereby shall be disbursed by said Noble as follows: one percent shall be kept by him as compensation for his efforts; thirty-three percent shall be spent by him so as to best ensure local prosperity and welfare; thirty-three percent shall be paid by him to the applicable Regional Fleet of the Imperial Navy; and thirty-three percent shall be paid by him to the Imperial Treasury."