more stuff we need

[MegaTrain]

Regarding trading technologies:

I can't confirm that it would work with AIs, but try this:
When you request a trade, request MULTIPLE copies of the SAME tech. I know it works with human players, giving 3 copies of Computers gives them levels 1, 2 and 3, all in the same turn.

You do have to be careful, though, because you can't specify EXACTLY which levels to trade. If you have propulsion up to 10, and the other race has propulsion up to 3, then trading them 3 copies of propulsion will give them levels 4, 5 and 6.

If you're giving or trading lots of techs, make sure they have the prerequisite techs, too. To trade for full computers, without knowing what they have, you would trade:
INDUSTRY
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS (or however many levels there are).