[Nitram Draw]

That's a good idea. I also like the suggestion of branching research trees for items, like higher ranged, more accurate or more damaging weapons.
Anything that gives the game more variety is good in my opinion.
The MOO research basically made for a greater variety of ships later in the game where as in SE4 you can pretty much guess what you will face late in the game, there aren't many surprises. I don't mean it's not challanging just somewhat predictable.