Thanks everyone for your help. I'll get onto it soonish.
I actually think a barter system would work well - for example, if someone wanted iron really badly, because they wanted to make minecart tracks, people might pay more for it, and things like that. Haggling and bartering would ultimately end in happiness for all... Although there may be blackmail - for example, some unscrupulous player could be hoarding all of the one type of resource (e.g. clay or diamonds), and may force desperate players into an unfair deal.
I don't want to be arguing or contradicting, but I think a community service-type-thing would be unrealistic. Like Hawke said, it would require a lot of supervision. Also, much like real life, people do it reluctantly. I think it could end badly - although for someone with little resources (e.g. one of the countless n00bs like myself) it would be a godsend.
Thanks guys - this all sounds good. I dunno what you mean by 'casino on', Juco, but it's nice you are thinking about me
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
And so, when I finally arrive at Eagle Pass, I feel good knowing a new, rejuvenated city will await me. Save me a spot in the modern district Hawke, please - Vorsprung is coming to town.