If we implement it, then this additional research should occur only when the stocks are full, as otherwise you may need to wait longer to have enough minerals and/or energy to build something. Also, this bonus should be applicable at all times, as I already had situations where I was at war, but my mineral stocks were full and I still had a surplus.
So, on to me thinking about the proposal:
It certainly gives big empires with massive production an extreme boost to research, even if it is only at a fraction (say, +1 research for each for 15 minerals/energy), thus making them even stronger. After all, they have the big fleets, are more likely to be technologically advanced and thus already have a higher rate of research. If we now add the bonuses of excess production smaller empires may be unable to catch up at all.
On the other hand, if you have many smaller empires, this may lead to an increased overall technology level, at least if there are not too many costly wars.
Now that I think about it, the risks of big, strong empires becoming even bigger and stronger by this is too high to justify it, and I'm not sure of how we could prevent this.
Anyone else with thoughts on this?
