[AstralWanderer]

Would it be possible to include a random element in tech levels? As it stands, SE's research is overly predictable both in the amount of points needed and the results obtained - having the number of points needed for the next level fluctuate a bit (and ideally kept secret) and having new items' required TL vary by a level or two (e.g. 25% chance of obtaining X at TL5 Shields, 50% chance at TL6, guaranteed at TL7) would better simulate actual research.

Another option would be to add (as far as possible) indefinite research trees. As it stands, the most effective weapons tech tends to be decided more by its maximum TL rather than other factors. Individual items can and should reach a peak (though ideally one of decreasing effectiveness compared to alternatives, rather than a hard limit) but there should always be new options within a specific field. Ship hulls are another example - limits here should be dictated more by available resources (e.g. by making cost increase exponentially for larger designs) than by fixed TL limitations.