If it has, it's a bug.  Can anyone confirm?

Most people play with fast or faster research times anyway.  K.A. is mostly a singleplayer skill.  You can check if it is working with a simple test though.  When you mouse over research on the list it shows the time necessary to complete each, based on tier.  Get a level then compare the times.  If you suspect the times listed are in error, watch the replay.  Replays have a timer and you can count the seconds from the moment the research button flashes until it finishes. 

I use it when I'm switching to destras later on and need to quickly max out the (relatively long) plasma attack line.

Techs above the T6 level can take a long time to research, so if you want to grab several in quick succession this isn't a bad idea.  Definitely a niche selection, but when you need to use it, it's relatively inexpensive and accessible.