I can't really say for 3.2, since I played to 3.2b and I am now waiting HttT
In 3.2b it does not to the good thing, alas. I really hope they changed/fixed that.
Good job with your AAR!
One more remark, since I am similarly gold-oriented as you are: I focus not only on gaining more, but also on wasting less. Now, my definition of waste is increased military upkeep for the same performance. So I tend to move sliders to reduce that. In 3.2b that would mean aristocracy to make those all-cavalry army much cheaper, land to make everything dry cheaper, and quality to make that gear more effective.
Plutocracy is sweet though, so the nerfing of cavalry in 3.2 and HttT will probably let me finally go the way of the rich, fat guys covered in bling (merchants or rappers, accoring to P.O.P.E.).
Land hurts as a colonizer, so for you is a no-go-area.
Still, you might consider sliding to quality, after the critical sliders are set (full centralization, free subjects, free trade).
