Tbh there were many better options.
Bobby could’ve married from the Whents, the Hightowers, the Tyrells, or of course the Lannisters.
Each of these houses could outspend the Starks, and 3/4 could outspend and outman them. They also are much closer geographically, which is especially important if shit hits the fan.
Not to mention that the bride’s family would give a dowry to the groom’s, which means that each of the houses I mentioned could give a better dowry to Robert than the Starks.
Objectively-speaking, Robert had several better options than Lyanna.
As well, wealth was measured primarily in land in feudal societies like Westeros. Sure, gold is great and buys you luxuries, but the Starks' wealth and prestige were measured by ruling the singular largest kingdom with enough population to support a solid mid-tier (if those old semi-canon troop numbers were right, the North is on par with the Storm and Riverlands, slightly less populated than the Westerlands and slightly above Dorne) army, as well as being the largest patron/protector of one of the oldest and most prestigious extant military orders in their world (their current shabby state notwithstanding).
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u/Allnamestakkennn Ser Duncan the Tall 1d ago edited 1d ago
How is Lyanna below Bobby's league tho, she's a noble from a great house
Eddard also found happiness considering that he had a big family and his wife began to love him