I'm sure some realms do this to ensure that the Lords/Dukes can dish out gold to the most "active" nobles, but to me its far too much micro control over the realm, to the detriment of some of the player base.
It's not always just a way to run around the IR restrictions on activity. Patronage is a time-tested way to run a realm. I have given gold to character who would do nothing useful that I know of with it, except that they would support me politically when needed.
Pure everyone-is-equal makes for less opportunities for politics.
