Bug or feature? Getting a Great Merchant of Venice

[zyx]

Don't know whether this is a bug or feature - as Mongolian Khans can also be gifted.

I got a Great Merchant of Venice from a city state, and I was able to buy/annex/puppet a CS.

 

[Browd]

I would say the Patronage closer is operating as designed. As you say, you've always been able to get a Kahn, which is certainly more useful than a regular GG, and MoV is a far more useful version of a Great Merchant.

That said, they may patch it out. In the meantime, enjoy it.