The update EXPLICITLY says we have nothing to research.
Look, I understand your reasoning, but your same reasoning is the one we have for upgrading the building. We want more people, we want people to be well, so they can work at full capacity, or so they can heal in peace. I also share the thought that the minimum in equipments come first, but we don't need the strongest or full equips to every girl before we start upgrading the building, and the way it works we will ALWAYS have other people around, just coming for the crafts or, after we get there, for the other things we can offer. Right now we offer bed, food, bath and some odd crafts, but we could offer the notice board with information and partying up, we could offer better medical installations, we could offer peace of mind, a place to call home, or even just companionship, as this place expands.
We do give them equipment, but we are also here to give them hope, which is probably the most important thing to a magical girl, and the main difference between them and adventurers.