You don't let key parts of your empire growth and maintainance (and domination) falter because of it.

The reason for the clam strategy is you can Wish every other turn by turn 40.

If you Last that long, guess what? It's hard for other nations to cope with a Wish every other turn (or every turn, depending on your other gem incomes).

The clams pay for themselves by turn 25, making 2 clams a turn I believe, I broke it down to Sunray and I don't remember the exact numbers. Not quite 100 Clams by turn 40, but 75 is more than possible.

The potential should be obvious.

Whether or not you consider it cost effective is whether or not the game allows you to do it and you arn't desperate for gems to maintain your growth.

And if you really want to, your first wish can be for gems.

Edit: Yes this strategy does have weaknesses. As should be apparent, but the application of it has worked more often than not.

[ January 10, 2004, 04:09: Message edited by: Zen ]