Is it? If done well (I have faith SD will do it well), then yes. But absolute statements such as this one always is an extreme temptation for Murphy.

Also, don't forget the boundaries imposed by the physical nature of our universe. I contend that, simply because of the physical nature of our universe that the variances of tech trees between the many species in GC should be small in order to make the tech trees believable.

On the other hand, I would like to see an organic class of technologies added to the GC tech tree. This is something that purely metallic/mechanical (robot like, but including a broader definition) species would not have in their tech tree simply because they wouldn't have an example to model it from, hence they would not even think of trying to develop it.

Agreed that variety and diversity are good however we need to keep in mind that an end goal will likely result in similar products.

For instance just looking at weapons developed by differing countries  over the last century should provide the logic that a standard once developed is very influential in the design of the next generation.

To simplify this statement, if race A were to develop technology A race B would develop a technology similar to technology A so long as race B has any influence of race A.

For real world example see the adoption of the AKM amongst both combloc and noncombloc countries. Or as a different example the prolific and well known diesel and gasoline engines. The CZ-26 was developed long before the UZI however they share many things (operation wise) in common. If we as a race (including lore in game) are to be a derivative example of the rest of galactic civilization (haha see what I did there?) then it is likely that all races will reach a similar end game technologically.

Excluding however synthetic only races which probably have little use for gravity, atmosphere, medicine, or free will. However, given that example in itself. The Yor will still have need for gravitic influence (inertia based weaponry and navigation), atmosphere (consider galvanic corrosion amongst other things), medicine which for a syntheticly exclusive race could boil down to computer virus and other malware not to mention required upgrades in which to keep current with modern technology ( considering the Yor race specifically over a ten year span without some sort of upgrade regime they could be losing 10% to 50% of their synthetic population which could cause quite the hindrance galaxy wide.), free will does come into play for them as well..even if they managed to survive solely on stealing technology from organic races they would still only be as dangerous as the technology most recently stolen from said organic race, late game consequences could put a civ like this at a serious disadvantage due to the fact that technology advances in leaps and bounds.

To summarize, even if two races develop completely separate from one another the same goals will likely be achieved. Colonize base planet, develop planetwide political and governing system, emigrate to exoplanet  sphere, develop extra solar transportation methods, develop planetary terraforming technology, remix and repeat.

To use real life as an example. The American Indians were completely isolated from Western Europe for a long long time, however they still managed to develop migratory housing, farming, and archery, which were concurrently developed in Western Europe as well.

Any other technology tree development based on the lore of species differs only in a cosmetic way and to make the player "feel" as though the races are unique even if its not an accurate depiction of development.

This is MY opinion, fact or other opinion may refute the above.

-Aer

Edit: Although... If it was an event it would halt their progression seeing as they probably no longer have their original boot-up disc

First of all the Yor wouldn't discover old Terran tech the Yor would discover old Iconian and Precursor tech.

Zydor r u talking about the Terror stars? If u r not can u be more specific.

Minor differences I can agree with you, however given the same amount of time elapsed the Europeans advanced multitudes faster than the American Indians or those in the Orient.

All of the cultures mentioned had spears at one point made out of stone. Then technology advanced and soft metals began to be used, and then progressively more tensile strength was added to said spear heads. I think that history makes a good case that none of the cultures of Earth developed so wildly different from one another that the "tech tree" of our history reflects what we experience in game.

Even if we were to make the case that perhaps on an alien homeworld they didn't have access to any radioactive material research into atomic fission and fusion would likely still occur.  Likely said Alien race would discover uranium or plutonium in exploring space and this would simply result in a +25% bonus to fission tech research.

I just don't see how such minor differences such as code of honor (japanese culture, also the european knights had a similar system), or tepees (which are simple nomadic tents take a look at the early tents of the nordic cultures or the mongolian nomads for something very similar) do anything but solidify the point that the tech tree system doesn't need an overhaul.

I agree we can make suggestions for Stardock to make a more perfect system. I just don't think that we understand the scope of what the developers have to do already on top of hiring exobiologist's as consultants to adequately design races that could not have evolved on a terran planet. Then you have to design individual tech trees for each race that make sense according to their limitations when likely the tech trees will converge roughly halfway anyway and not add any more to the game than if they had stayed on the route they're already on. I mean I'm more than willing to hear your side of it but, what is the net gain if they wen't that route?

Testing