I personally loved the comical lines when some techs were researched. It stops the game from becoming so serious all the time. I don't expect most people bother reading the stuff anyway and just click Done as soon as the window comes up. I personally think that the best games are those that don't always take itself seriously, and it elements such as these that really separate a game from a hardcore simulation, or the next step where gamers become so immersed that it practically absorbs them into it (which is a bad thing).

I do, however, agree that insights into certain races based on their descriptions is definately needed. This WOULD make the game that much more interesting so you actually feel like you're playing AS that race rather than just the Terrans dressed in an alien costume and a different set of techs.