1) You can click on the techs themselves in the research window and see what researching that current tech level will give you. But if there is more than one tech requirement for a given component or facility it won't be visible until you get to the Last requirement. So yes, some tech areas will seem to be 'mystery doors' for a time.
2) When you start a new game, make sure to choose 'Player can see complete tech tree' under Game Settings. This will let you see where the tech tree goes and even what techs are needed to get what components or facilities when you use the "Tech Tree" button which will then be available in the research screen. It's a rather simple 'flat' display but it's better than nothing.
3) There's a nifty utility posted to this BB within the Last week or so. Check it out in this thread:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...3;t=006046;p=2
This utility has a really nice display of the tech tree, too.
[ June 25, 2002, 13:50: Message edited by: Baron Munchausen ]