The blog said that it was supposed to be a place where all the latest, and greatest tech is tested.

Because there are no visual indications that tell me what the heck the occupants of that outpost are working on. This outpost could have been done so much better if they actually showed us what the research lab was working on.

An example: they could have added static proto type armor tank mesh in the basement that would be protected be a thick glass shield or something. maybe have laser torches shooting at it from tools that are a part of the walls around it.

Or make a hall full of cryo tubes that contain a series of cooperation customized suits. Like a Medium, logi, and heavy quafe suits that you can admire while you shoot face. Or show off a sneak peak of the large frame-G suits that we currently do not have.

Maybe some unfinished prototype drop-ships.

They could have even had a holographic blueprint of an infantry drone in some drone.

right now, the research lab isn't showing me what it's purpose is.

Anything from software updates to technology approaches, thanks to sleeper tech most of the new eden empires broke though their previous dead end tech, most likely involved in all disciplines requiring high amounts of energy in order to quickly synthesize results effectively and efficiently.

For example newer technologies being developed right now are higher stress shock absorbers that had been disciplined first on New Eden Dreadnaughts, found their way onto Marauder Battleships which that technology fall out gave rise to destroyer gun mounts being able to handle the stress of 16 weapon systems (8 pairs) which that fall out led to the type 3 battlecruisers which can fight battleship sized armaments and now has gone full circle back to the marauder giving it a miniaturized dreadnaught siege mode function.

A single battleship turret is the size of a 747, testing the thoery behind it would require a starship reactor's worth of power.

Most of the Dust 514 soldier tech are adoptions from previously created technology for non immortal soldiers or their vehicles. the Adaptations for most of them have been rather quick and simple procedures of upsizing or safety margin removal. Even our drop suits are adapted technology that are marginally better than standard issued armor to non-elysians outside the fact that its nanite powered (which is conveniently stored and distributed by your merc's own circulatory system), and has a small reactor in the backpack that helps fuel all the onboard systems and shields. In short. we're not much different from the combat drones gallente once used in terms of technology being shoved into us.

Like eve pilots, our tech is also thought controlled subconsciously, which is why skill training is effective as you're using other parts of your brain to program shield resonances and weapon strike profiles to maximise defenses and offensive systems. A technology well out of reach of normal soldiers able to handle on their own.

I'm sure as time goes on and the rest of the standard issue tech is converted for our use they'll have to start thinking of ways to push those further.

Stop trying to come up with reasons why they shouldn't do it.

Hardware limitations, it's already complex as a map...

the map isn't complex. The console they used is obsolete.

Well it is a Gallente Research facility so I'm guessing the latest sex toys and thin liquid condoms.