Without delving too deeply into economic concepts, a balance sheet like Aurora hardly presents the true scale of the economy. For instance, scientists generate both income and expenses, which tend to balance out over time. This means that each time you add scientists, you're actually generating more income rather than increasing expenses, as I have already pointed out.
The same principle applies to financial centers, which represent a double benefit: tax revenues and wealth generation (though accounted for separately). I recall Steve needed to adjust the economy at the start of C#, and I wonder how much of that was due to the model's foundation not being clear (I'd say incorrect, but that wouldn't be fair).
It's a pity because all the elements are there: unemployment, trade goods shortages and surpluses, population, civilian companies, and resources. Creating an economic system should be fairly straightforward without needing to alter the code beyond adjusting values. You might just need to add a line or two to account for welfare, such as unemployment benefits.
Currently, wealth is treated as just another resource that you need to "farm" to achieve your goals. Need more wealth? Build more of this or that, regardless of whether factories are shut down producing nothing or terraforming installations have been idle for centuries.
Personally, given the highly logistical nature of the core system, it would be interesting to have the need to balance wealth along with resources.
