Tech Gifting Query

[Campo]

SG,

Is tech gifting in this way a genuine advantage? Suppose a civ was 6 techs behind you and going to beat you to Philosophy. Even if they get it first, they'll only gain two techs, and thus still be 4 behind you. By giving them all your 6 tech advantage, even if you get Philosophy first you'll only be 2 ahead.

Is this worthwhile? I guess it depends on where the other 5 civs are. But assuming the civ in question is the world tech leader, then is it worth gifting techs to beat them to Philosophy?

[La Fayette]

campo
What matters is the tech you want to acquire AFTER Phil (imagin that the tech is Monotheism and it takes you about 20 turns to research a tech: being #1 to Phil means 20 turns alone with vet crusaders ).