I've tried to create buttons for shields/weapons in the past but ran into a problem and removed them. It's very easy to click a button and have it spend the research tokens and move the marker. The problem is when you use special rules such as Ferengi Weapons Researcher, or even some Exploration cards can bump them up by spending various different combinations of resource costs. The button could be for the "standard" research cost to upgrade, but I think many people would click it without thinking when they get an alternate method to increase it, then have to undo it.

Oh, and I really appreciate your generosity. I cannot accept donations for this. I don't even have a paypal account. Raise a pint to my health, and that will be sufficient. Thanks!

Ah yes, those variant rules for weapons/shields are a good point. Though having a "default button" would be nice. If people forget their additional spending options, it's their issue really.
But I get your point.
I'll make sure to toast to your health then!

Finally got around to adding weapons /shields uograde buttons.

oh nice! thank you for continuously working on this!