After an exchange with Solarius Scorch see (Damn I don't now how to link to specfic replies) I'll wing it
It's not exactly on topic, but since you mention it, I'll tell you how we want to deal with this in the final Mod Pack, which should see the light of day soon. Perhaps you can offer some opinion.
Basically, researching lasers and other advanced weapons requires some technical data that can only be acquired by interviewing Engineers, Leaders or Commanders, and also dismantling UFO Power Source; considering you need to develop a technology to build Alien Containment, this is unlikely to happen in the first half of the year. Plasma is even more demanding, since you need all sorts of plasma-related advances to work with this.
However, researching Alien Alloys gives you access to better ammunition for human weapons, which is around 33% stronger than the basic ammo. Frankly, it still sucks against stronger aliens, mostly because it's still AP damage, but it's better than nothing.
I used to be a designer in Fusilier Games in the 70s. Unfortunately I left that field just as computer games were beginning to take off.
For balance I would suggest that Lasers weapons need the research and use of alien alloys. This would delay their implementation and encourage the use of convential weapons and their mods for longer. Actually I would like to begin a Long War topic. Should I post this under Suggestions or Modding/Experiments.
