[Hornet X1]

Dreamplace,

The treaty restrictions are designed to make players fight for themselves. Forget allies, you have none, its galactic domination or bust - except as noted below this is an every player for themselves, survival of the fittest game.

With the current restrictions you can use one another for a time.

The gift/trade restrictions are designed *in part* to force players to plan their own research carefully instead of relying on picking up tech levels from other players. (survival of the fittest again.)

You make bad research decisions and you pay in-game. Slower, yes but more strategic.

Intel is ditched because it is either useless, or too much of a bully stick depending. You either have enough that opposing Intel ops fail consistently or you can abuse a less developed empire to a point where they have no ability to provide a defense for themselves. I simply do not like the current Intel model. (JMHO)

Besides, with the noted restrictions you would probably prefer to build research centers anyway.