User blog comment:JoshofBlades/Why the Empire Should Prevail Over the Stormcloaks! Part 3 (Economics)/@comment-98.117.20.101-20111125220234

Skyrim also existed without Imperial influence for how long? You make it seem as if Skyrim is a barren uninhabitable province that was forsaken before the Empire moved in. You make it seem as if Nords are completely inept as far as trading and politics go.

Chances are, Ulfric will come to power, liberate Skyrim from the beady-eyed thieving cowardly Imperials, and the Holds would go back to citystate like powers that they are, without Imperial influence. Chances are, each hold would have it's own economy with little outside influence and trade, albeit there WOULD and WILL be trade between the Holds, just much less reliant.

However, you do make a good point, in that a lot of currency would be lost with the eradication of the Empire. Keep in mind though...

The Nords of Skyrim are a hardy people. The original inhabitants of Tamriel would not have a difficult time taking back Skyrim from the clutches of the greed stricken Empire and returning it to it's own rule.