It had a unique culture, it had much to give to others but it was not so much in need of what others could give in return.

As you can see, this does not offer a sound basis for a contract-based society.

It means if someone fails to honor the terms of a contract, there is no excuse for a cultural tradition where a written contract counts less than some relationships you may or may not have.

Think of it like this: a friend asks you to foot his ladder while he cleans the window. There is no need for a formal written contract for the ladder to be footed until the window is clean and your friends feet back on earth. A relationship-society would give the friend the necessary confidence to know that his friend, that is you, will honor your promise. This concept is much bigger in China and extends to other more formal situations. Eg. Its better to have a good relationship with the surgeon who is about to operate on you, to ensure that he does his job to the very best of his ability.

I still wouldnt go as far as to say one system is superior, but I would say both systems are different.