As far as the natives go when we compare what each culture had the natives CAN UPLOAD! That must be worth something.
They have an all seeing associate in the planets life who looks out for them.
They have the technology they need.
I would have been interested if there was some indication of how history was transmitted.
They have figured out how individuals can have the ability to fly through the air on the backs of beasts they communicate with. They do not have to get oil changes!
Last I heard having the ability to extend your physical mind into a larger system might be worth something.
The head scientists protests that the corporate and military types are short sighted and do not see where there really valuable things were. This is about inefficient values blinding one to possibilities.
There is a writer at Forbes who took a very narrow view of how the movie was clash of cultures. His arguments required being of that culture. He thought it was better that we invent, create business etc. I would have to say that the idea of "necessity is the mother of invention" holds true until you reach the point where things are working well. You do not try to solve what is not perceived as a problem. It could be inferred that the natives standing up against the military are themselves a piece of problem solving. So the natives have a method of organization that beats our response to Katrina.
They don't need lawyers! That alone should suggest they have a more advanced society.
I do think that that the natives should have been more like the other creatures that were depicted. At least an extra eye on each side of their heads. I know conssesions in the appearance of characters to make them more available to the audience but it could have been edgier.
Edited by alexd, 31 December 2009 - 12:46 AM.