Advantages of switching to a Merchant Republic

[Pellaken]

So, you've got your little empire off to a nice start. Provinces are being added, trade income is increasing, and your technology is always progressing. Suddenly, you get a little message telling you that your tech levels are up, and, you can now switch to a Merchant Republic!

...Should you? Why? If not, why not?

IE what's the good/bad of switching to a Merchant Republic (as opposed to starting as one)

 

[DDRJake]

You control a trade league which can make you the most powerful trader in the world.

See my signature for all the compiled information about Trade Leagues.

 

[Pellaken]

Oh! wow thank you. I have not read it yet but from the title it's exactly what I need

 

[WGPower]

It would be even more powerful if the "confirm thalassocracy" decision were available to more than GEN, VEN and HSA!

 

[przemo_li]

PERMANENT CB against all other TL.

Venice, Hansa, Liguer, you can have them all (and them get all European countries without CoT into your Trade League, and then PERMANENT monopoly in your high value CoTs )