you could set up a bank in the shop so that when the player returns to the shop he has the chance to save his gold. (i reckon that this should be a good middle road)
I agree, and I would love to do that, but unfortunately I don't have any more cartridge space. PICO-8 restrictions are crazy! :)
I had to sacrifice several mechanics I wanted in order to get the size of the world to achieve any sense of adventure. This being my first PICO-8 game, I wanted to see how far I could push the engine. But these are all notes I'm taking to heart for the next game. Your input is much appreciated.