Its just a game mechanic to let you know what research stage they are at, that can be useful if there is a tech race going on, assessing when to invade, etc etc.
Its a bit of levity in the game designed to make you feel either "superior" - or - "Oh C%^p, I'd better get a move on with research" - or - "Opppsss I've no defence yet against [weapon tech]" etc etc
Anyone taking them too seriously should not be playing the game - its a game not an egofest
Regards
Zy