Regarding Tech Level for non tribals

[AstroChimp]

While I understand not having a high tech level starting out a new colony, but when you're almost at the bottom of your research tab, shouldn't you be able to "upgrade" your tech level as you research/achieve a certain point in game? I mean, even in your late game. What's the point of showing us that there's a tech level 'tier' if we can't go up in it.

The only explanation I can find is that it is only a "place-holder" for future features in the game.

And, btw, not a native english speaker. So I'm sorry for any mispelled words or grammar errors.