You’ve said before that “The Old Way” is unsustainable. If your were in charge of the Iron Islands what would you do to make them as powerful and rich as the could given their limited size and resources? What should the Ironborn really be doing right now beside following doomed leader after doomed leader?

1. Trade, trade, trade. The Iron Islands should have the biggest fleet possible, and should invest in ocean-going ships that can sail west to Asshai. 

2. Manufacturing. Lots of tin and iron, probably lots of coal around. Start making iron goods and selling them, rather than selling raw iron. 

3. If they hadn’t fucked it up, negotiate with the North for available land.