[Elspode]

The short answer, Whit, is 'yes'. In order for us to increase our own abundance, it does have to reduce abundance elsewhere.

This all part of the ethical dilemma inherent to the "harm none" aspect of our path. It is, in fact, impossible to do something without affecting something else. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

However, it is safe to assume (or so I hope) that abundance exists in excess somewhere else, and so asking for a bit more is a reasonable thing.

Abundance is relative, and the distribution thereof is not really up to the person asking for more. If it exists somewhere and the universe wants you have more, then you'll get it. If not, it won't come to you, because the nature of the spell (asking, rather than demanding) does not wrest abundance to you from somewhere else, it simply redirects the natural flow so it eddies a bit more in your direction.