Are we at least going to get a nice (potbs) type Auction House tool that will display global prices and quantities in all regions around the world? If not, what you are proposing will simply won't work effectively or let's say it will only function at 50%. This means - player will log in load his trader and sail for 1 hour (hoping he won't get ganked). If he will get ganked his game is over for the day and he will be thrown into some nearest port with no boat + all resources gone. There is also a great possibility he will never return to the game. Like I said before, long travel times will keep Traders from OS, people will not sail for 1 hour hoping to catch/sell last bits of resources to some port blindfolded.
What we need asap:
1. Detailed market tool that will show resources and quantities. Amount of resources and price change history. Players can select region and see what ports sell/buy and where to deliver to make profit.
2. Afk 'Auto sail' feature and Trader Escort.
On the other hand, Traders will sail great distances if you show them what is listed on the market (at that port location) and sale history. ex. I open AH tool, check PR area and can see what sells and what is missing and in demand atm. I then proceed and load resources and I am 100% sure I will make profit when I deliver it. Now it's up to me to make sure this delivery is going to reach it's final destination.
Unfortunately right now there is no point to even Trade around the world and with other Nations. We are simply locked in 1 home area where we will trade until the end of the days.
So, maybe fix your Market foundation first and then proceed with everything else. Not exactly sure why you are building a house starting from the roof.