@LordZell
If you're confused by the tech level thing, I think I know how it works.
In the case of weapons, all players can have unique weaponry (ion cannons, MAC guns, gravitational accelerators cannons), but they all have to have some form of a "base" which everyone has access to.
So say you have a unique version of a laser called a Tesla Beacon, with stronger beams, better accuracy, etc. but its technically at the tech level of a laser, just that you're the only person who can have/use the Tesla Beacon
Another way of seeing it would be like unique units in a RTS game. Instead of getting spearmen or crossbowmen, you'd get Spartan Hoplites and repeating crossbows.
You have lasers, you make them fancy.