All I can say is I HAVE seen the tech used to good effect. A carrier with 6 GFs is a temporary bonus. If the Letnev tech is acquired early, it can more than make up for that.

That being said, just because I've seen it used well doesn't mean it will always be used well. It's situational, like many of the racial techs tend to be. (Yes, some are more universally useful, of course)

One thing that should be considered about ground forces and their strength is that every ground force is one (or more) less fighter your opponent can bring to bear in the space battle above. Additionally with well stocked planets you avoid many of those conquests of opportunity when someone needs a planet or system for an objective.

I still don't think the technology is anything close to worth it, but ground forces do have a part in the game.

sarween tools does not increase production capacity enviro compensators does