They are for use in the special 'Trade Thetre' zones, which are not automatic at all. You sned in a ship, sit it on a little yellow anchor icon and watch as the cash rolls in. Until soomeone else wants the spot and sinks you. So it's best to bring along warships.
I might, eventually :P. But honestly there isn't much point, as the remaining ships are specific to a small number of factions.
Steam ships will still lose to Second rate ships and above, and I'm sure that their huge boiler seems to make them more vulnerable to critical hits...
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