1. If you build on a resource in area of control it build independent of the city it's closest to. However if you link that resource to your city by building stuff to it so the city wall will surround it, it enters the city building queue and waits for everything else to be built first (workshop, trader, library etc.)  This can make a big difference early on.

2. Costs of padded and leather armor are probably swapped for troups.. Padded costs 10 gildar, while leather is much cheaper at 1/3 the cost