The only downside to leapfrogging sometimes though is if a tech has a passive bonus.  For example, the first engine in each bracket gives a speed bonus.  Even thoguh the last engine in the bracket is far better than the first, I still like to have that passive bonus.

So it's something to look at when trying to find ways to cut down time.  BTW getting all of those laser techs would be useful if you think about how you could turn around and sell it to all the other AI's and make money on them...

Or the reserch that you leapfrog got a good galatic wonder.

I'll be interested to see if this behavior changes with Tech Brokering disabled. Seems like if there is no passive bonus associated with the tech and brokering is disabled, you'd need to be stupid to pay for a tech below one that you already have.

*snort*Only if you're talking about new rags that look old. Otherwise, that's an inventory thing, not tech.*chuckle*

You'd need some belts or suspenders or something to hold it up though.  Think about it....what holds socks on?  The elastic creates some pressure to the skin to increase the friction.  Loose that friction and your socks will fall down.  Pants and underwear....yeah.  Shirts would be fine since they are held on via head and arm holes.

Now getting dressed, think about that.  You's have to stick your fingers thru holes in the shirt and close up 2 fingers just to pick it up...just grabbing a shirt off the floor would keep slipping out of your hands.