Where oh where do the research points go??

I researched and purchased the last Sabre in the US tech tree and now I own all the available US planes. So what happens to the vehicle research points earned when I fly the US now??? They don't get added to the virtually useless "free research points", they don't get added to points earned for vehicle upgrades, they seem to vanish into never never land (even more worthless than free research points). I'd like to think they are keeping track of them and will credit me when a new plane is added to the US tree (I know what the hell have you been drinking or smokin'), but I seriously doubt it.

Anyone know for sure??

I know where they are NOT going...

are you sure they are not accumulating in the "free" research points? that number might be so high to begin with that it isn't likely the indicator (few decimals) will change after one or two games since it rounds down/up.