Now with the latest patch(s) out there you can disable tech trading but you still get the message that between your spies and the minor races there are techs to be had. Well would'nt it be nice if they just had them for sale in their contact screen. Granted it would be costly for you but the black market under minor races control would be an interesting option. Yes tech trading is off but Tech buying would make it interesting. Of course your probably going to be looking at techs selling for 60,000bc or better but if you have the money available for that one last tech your after it would be cool. Not even overpowering since you would'nt be able to afford everything without putting yourself into the the poor house. I would limit it to only the attack/defense techs. Still think there should be some special techs that cannot be researched but only bought or found.