I disagree, I only have a basic setup for manufactoring and have been reseraching QL Constantly. I havent been playing long so I'm not planning on ending the game on a high ranking position. What I am trying to do is gain QL so I can get a good start for the next round. The interset rate is very low compared to investing the money in upgrading and changing production. I think that this will allow players to reserach RL quicker and I dont think this is a problem since more researched products affects supply and demand which greatly affects players profits.
I think this would make the game better for newer players as they will be able to progress slightly quicker. I also think that people that have been playing longer will have a tougher game as a new element means new statagys.