I apologize for not having a link or a screenshot, but two days ago, I saw a nation that had -2000 soldiers. In parentheses next to a yellow hazard sign was "National Draft Situation" What does that mean? How does this happen?
I have a 6BR circle with the 5BR resources and Fine Jewelry. I disagree with your assessment of the resources because getting Affluent Population automatically when you strive for Fine Jewelry doesn't make sense to me. You can get I agree with the Dragon Daimyo as well in that saving money from bills is better than getting money that you end up paying out later. Paradox? No.
When I started, I thought about rerolling, but I thought that it would take forever to get resources that would equal what I have now. I'm too new at this game to say whether you should reroll though.
I can join with Gems and Rubber if we can make this orange.
EDIT:
I forgot to say that I made a trade circle already, and I might try to convert it into an 8BR.