Trickles

Are they worth it in general? The age 2 India one for example. It would take quite a long time for the trickle to get to the 700 wood that could have been sent instead. And with the 700 wood the benefit is felt straight away and can be used for trading post or market upgrades, consulate or other necessary buildings.

Also it is common in treaty to send the small trickle first for certain civs, eg Spain, Dutch, Otto. But using this for a shipment will delay being able to send an economy shipment in age 3/4, when there is a huge economy and the extra time with a 15/20% upgrade will equal a huge amount of resources.