I think that's exactly right. Colonialism/imperialism do not imply a one-size-fits-all economic model. Empires are networks of interconnected components with d

I think that's exactly right. Colonialism/imperialism do not imply a one-size-fits-all economic model. Empires are networks of interconnected components with different roles to play. Some places are integrated as sources of raw materials (in which case, all you need is a cheap workforce to extract the materials). Other places are trade routes, whose purpose is to host a garrison (eg. suez canal zone) so they need some level of infrastructure (ports, railways, air-strips, whatever). Other places are sources of markets required to stimulate industrial production, so there needs to be some level of disposable income to create demand for imports.