If you're about to start, don't upgrade anything except the ship parts for a while. It'll put your ship's strength way ahead of what the level can handle. I've made it to the point where I pass most levels without actually touching the keyboard, and still manage to collect about 80% of the coins.
Is there any way to update the game so that robbers will not attack you if you have 50% more men than them or something. I'm tired of stopping a 10 person caravan to take on 2 robbers.
 "Upgrade Complete 2"){kind=icon}
 "Caravaneer"){kind=icon}
 "Super Battle Demon"){kind=icon}