Why do the in-game tips tell me to get research alliances when there is no option for research alliances on the alliance page?

That's just a general tip for techers in the game. There are only defensive and intelligence alliances in express.

Yeah, I feel like an idiot because I saw that message on my research page and I messaged several players ingame asking if they would like to be my research alliances and they messaged me back asking what I was talking about

This might be helpful for you:
https://www.earthempires.com/express/serverdetails

Each server has details listed. Each server's information and play style are different.

Lol, no big deal. We all feel stupid sometimes =P

Speak for yourself!

I feel stupid all the time!

Dont think that you are stupid.. Just take it as you have bad luck when you're thinking... ;)

I'm already in GDI even though I did not click/request for it. @_@
Where to check on the details for that part?

I am feeling stupid, but I thought Slagpit did a change set where everyone started in GDI on express.
I will go hunt for that announcement.

Ah here it is:
https://www.earthempires.com/...hange-set-20-49930#977779

"* GDI expenses have been changed to be free in protection for future rounds. Outside of protection, countries pay a dollar amount per non-cs building instead of per acre of land.

* All countries start in GDI on the Express and Primary servers for future rounds. A country may leave GDI before the final six hours of the reset if it has not attacked or been attacked. If a country leaves GDI it is not able to rejoin."

I think you are automatically in gdi and you would have to leave gdi before attacking anyone if you don't want to be in gdi

Personally I like gdi, I'm not sure why you would not want to be a part of it ?

Okie. Thanks.
Wasn't playing that time, so, missed out the announcement.

Maybe I want to attack someone? =P