zen_tom, consider humans for a moment. We have economies that thrive with a diverse range of goods that we trade, purchase, and sell. Assuming that a species of higher intelligence works the same way, I would assume interstelar trade is a reality, as the universe is likely diverse. We may simply be on a given trade route, or we may simply be something for their scientists to learn from. We may be a link to their past, as they were likely once at our level.
Imagine if we (humans) were given the opportunity to study a species that is evolving along the same path we evolved. It would give us insight to our past, and also to where we are going next.
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