What impact would it have on our understanding and study of physics if it turned out that Unified Field Theory is flat-out impossible and the universe exists as a series of interactions between different sets of physics?
Checking it out. I've considered the possibility of a Savage Worlds version of Myst before, and I've incorporated Myst-style linking books in DnD and Pathfinder as being used for creating demiplanes or items of interplanar travel before. Even considered a Myst-themed base for Mutants and...
If you want to build your own module with a mixture of sci-fi, just take a look at the DMG. It includes laser weaponry and a write-up on how to do alien technology.
I think both players and WotC are overthinking it. There's a few classes that are not necessarily the best at level 1, but come into their own in later levels. But, that fits with the flavor of what level 1 is. Amateurs, not professionals.