Running latest TA update: GalCivII 1.50.133, Twilight 0.96a[b].004
Playing Human, Gigantic galaxy, seven opponents, challenging.
Early in the game (2-3 years), the Dread Lords appeared, announcing they were going to take over the galaxy, etc. The very next turn, they surrended to everyone, and as terms of surrender, they were literally giving away almost every technology available. I was able to go from Phasor II to Doom Ray instantly, as an example. The number of techs they gave me numbered close to 30.