i haven't tried it in 1.09, but in 1.08b niether of the two researchers nor the gilder champion benefited from being stationed in town. there was no increase in the towns money/research, nor did i see an increase in either gilder or research equal to the bonus the unit would have got(if it just wasn't showing in the town but still being applied). i didn't see it it in the change log, so it shouldn't have changed 1.09
