[QuarianRex]

Geo:
I'd rather not have them do it on their own. I like the idea of them having zero research points. That way significant reseach would take centuties (ie. longer than any reasonable game) without the uplifting influence of a more advanced society, and their research points.

I think that it would be extremely sweet if the highers level of primative tech opened up all of the other techs, hence the questions about trading same-name tech areas of differing origin.

As for high-end weapons and such how about giving them lowered Versions of DUCs and CSMs (lets call them Rail Guns and Advanced ICBMs) whose highest values are equivalent to, or just below, those of level 1 DUC and CSM.

Fighters with zero strategic move would be a great starting tech for a space race. Other techs should also be lower than equivalant starting techs. How about space stations weighing 100, 200, and 300kt. Weapon Plats at 100 and 150kt. Sats at 40 and 60kt. Fighters at 5 and 10kt (remember, you don't have to put engines but some inherent supply would be nice). Infantry with weapons that do 1 damage, boosted to 2 at steam.

Hmm... I might try to work on a basic tech tree over the weekend...