Final answer:
Eric's view suggests that capturing artisans or valuable goods is preferable for Jack and his tribe, as it enables a leader to solidify power and distribute wealth to maintain loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to Eric's views on what would be preferable for Jack and his tribe to capture. Given the context provided which includes references to a leader controlling trade routes, the creation of alliances, and the seizing of goods or artisans, we can infer that the preferable thing for Jack and his tribe to capture would likely be valuable goods or artisans who possess the skill to create such goods.
Eric's strategic thinking implies the benefit of controlling resources directly or the skills needed to produce them, allowing a canny leader to distribute these goods to maintain loyalty and cement power among subordinates.