The new technology tree is great! I love the right clicking to bring up more information. This was really helpful when I was playing the Iconian Refuge and was trying to figure how to do things like:
1) how do I improve my economy as Iconian Refuge?
2) how do I make bigger ships?
3) how can I improve my research potential?
etc, etc.

As I was doing this, I realized that with the new tech trees, it is like a brand new game. It was not overwhelming to me because I've played GalCiv for a long time and I know what I'm looking for. But for a brand new person, perhaps incorporating some sort of 'advisor' would reduce newbie shock? Kind of like Civ but of course, better. In fact, I think you could likely sort out the likely FAQ as follows:
1) Economy- how to make buildings and technologies to help your economy?
2) Manufacturing- how to make things faster and cheaper?
3) Military-Industrial Complex- how to make things bigger and more lethal?
4) Research- how to figure things out faster?
5) Diplomacy- how to get people to give you things?

Perhaps, the advisor could highlight technologies for each race that would lead new players down the paths. It wouldn't have to be too comprehensive as part of the fun in GalCiv is exploring the technology tree. For example, it wouldn't be much fun if the advisor told you to research lasers versus mass drivers. Just the basics, highlighting the differences between races.

Another idea is to bring back an old idea from GalCiv I (or was it II), I can't remember. You used to have a planetary governor, Mr. Ford for a manufacturing centre, etc, etc. The governor selected buildings for you and basically took care of things if you didn't want to. Perhaps bringing this idea back as an option might work as well.

You guys are doing a great job in upgrading the game. I can't say how much better I like the beta over the original II, the technology trees make it a new game. I hope that you can figure out a way through either a tutorial or an advisor to help new people get into the game.