Tech trading is bad.

I would rather want AI which is better with tech deals, and as agressive as human in that regard.
(like Civ4, or maybe Civ3)

Also I would like that AI don't buy tech they don't "need" at all.
If they have Phasors, there is no single reason to buy Missle Theory, even if his enemies have good shields (missle theory would make no difference).

I agree, all that is needed is for the AI to just be a little more savvy, and to prioritise the diplomacy techs a bit more. Seeing that Stardock seem to be on a constant quest to improve the AI, this will probably happen in one of the upcoming patches.

Until then, I will continue to tech trade. Sure, I can outdo the AI here, but I can outdo the AI in warfare as well, but that doesn't mean I'm going to avoid fighting.

One of the funny things I noticed is that AI base the price of weapon tech on its research value, not on value of how many tech they would skip if they get it.

For example it was very difficult for me to get enemy Phasor tech, since it's expensive.
But when AI got Phasor II tech, it was much easier for me to buy it compared to Phasor I, since Phasor II is cheaper.


Also, I noticed that in AI routine computer player objects of geting both lower and higher tech in same trade.

But, for him, it's not problem if I sell him obsolete tech later, in next deal, for full price (although it's pretty worthless for him).

On the other hand, it would also object if I had for example higher Solidering tech and wanted to sell lower one too in same deal, which is ridiculus, since this is not a weapon, both effects of lower and higher tech stack.

P.S.
I hope developers read this, so it could be fixed in future patches.

Have any of you guys tried the "No tech trading" option. The overall experience is far better IMHO.

The concept of buy from one sell to 9 is always going to lead to exploitation.

Maybe if there are only 3 civ's it can sort of work.

Tech trading is an important way to minimize the AI's bonuses on higher difficulty levels, IMO.

But, for him, it's not problem if I sell him obsolete tech later, in next deal, for full price (although it's pretty worthless for him).

Yes, that should be fixed. Whenever you offer a computer player a technology where they have a better version and the prerequisite doesn't offer an additional benefit (like marines still give soldiering bonus even if you already have shock troops) they should refuse the offer.