Patents fill a valuable role in encapsulating technological knowledge in a concrete way, without having arbitrary technological differences like a TL1 rifle vs a TL10 rifle. If I develop the technology to make laser rifles, I can share that technology with others; the patent is the token of that knowledge. If someone does not develop laser rifle technology, then they cannot suddenly start mass producing laser rifles.
I disagree that a player should know that developing a patent for plastic today could lead to the discovery of warp drives down the road.
I disagree that a player should know that developing a patent for plastic today could lead to the discovery of warp drives down the road.