Full Circle Panuela ?

[Martin Moser]

The main point, I expect, for wanting white wool is that it can be dyed any color- right?

That is certainly right, but let's not forget that white is just as well signifying your social position, I'd say. Just remember the toga candida for example. Many cultures associate white with innocence (politicians and innocence :-P P ), being in the right, being free of the need to work because of your wealth (you don't get your clothes dirty/can afford very clean ones) and things like that.