Zero,
I was going to post saying that there is an "ideas" command etc... but to tell you the truth I enjoyed reading the post and agree with you (whoa) and even have an idea myself, so here goes...

To earn money in ways other than ratting...
a) thugs are criminals, let there be bounties on their heads
b) most cities have some sort of industrial area... eg. Ashtan docks, there could be some sort of system whereby one can work for gold.
c) I do have specific idea on how a work system could be implemented, but unfortunately the example is full of ooc, if the Logos is interested (or anyone else) just drop me a message.
The example is not how to code, but another place where a work system may be seen.

Caled

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Sarapin, in the year 263 AF.