SuperNova features not working

I am about 24 hrs into Supernova, and I have started about 6-7 games (since we're all tinkering).  I am seeing 2 strange things:

1)  I am not getting options for additional candidates for techs, even at turn 84 and having progressed through a few dozen techs already.

2) I don't seem to be able to add leaders to factions.  Is there an unlock in the tech or culture trees that I am missing?

I thought this might just be something missing for early release, but I saw a screenshot from another player who has additional candidates for their tech options.