Paltry treasure from Expedition Fleet on Open

[skullduggery bones]

I have done a fair few fleets on open and on the ones that I managed not to sink I got good gold ( 8 Royals one run ) But once you sink the gold seems to go down dreadfully. ( I may be wrong, just what I have seen) last one I did earlier I sank 2 times and went back out to finish the ship of the line off and got 1 Royal. I wonder whether it makes any difference if you keep the Ship of the line til last. Do you get more gold? Does, when you sink, your gold already earned from sinking the tyrants, sink with you?? maybe, idk? Maybe it would be best to port and go back out. i'll have to try some more a few different ways perhaps.