I dont understand the issue at hand
I might be seeing this in the wrong way, to try and help I will explain tech trading as my memory remembers the mechanics.

When I research a tech in the Warfare tree, I get a 5 special warfare points (whatever the number, I get some warfare points).
These Warfare points are special points only used for diplomacy, they are like a separate currency in and of itself, that have a very special attribute.

When I trade 5 warfare points away to my enemy to gain 5 magic points (points for the magic tech tree),
I lose my 5 warfare points (Since I just traded them away).
I then add a 5 research points randomly allocated in the magic research tree (for the 5 magic points traded in my direction)
And the AI I traded with adds 5 research points randomly allocated in the warfare tree.

I don't remember anymore features for the tech points.

hope it helps.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Oh I understand the confusion, but as said it should be seen as a "currency" more than information, it doesn't make as "much" sense lore-wise. But I think its a better game mechanic than the tech trading I see in other games, since those are either abused or ignored (due to the AI wanting 10 techs for 1  tech).

And to explain what I mean with "abused" is when I can trade my "mining" technology for 1 technology from AI player 1, then trade it for another technology from AI player 2, and a third technology from AI player 3, I get a huge boost to research from "gaming" the diplomacy system, in this case I think its better so the AI doesn't have to game the system the same way .

Sincerely
~ Kongdej