The more people that you put at the research table the faster the tech points add up also.But LadyCFII is right some of those collectables can add a lot of tech points. I won't go into detail but they are quite a bit. But that is the game. You have to stay focused on the game at some point. Even though you can walk away some times you still have to come back to check on them to help them. You are the leader above anyone of the villagers,without you they will all perish.