Short Answer

No, we don't need to merge these skills, or remove one branch. In fact, it wouldn't be worth the effort to do this.

Long Answer

There is a lot of complexity in the current system which is good. As others have pointed out, we have hard fitting choices when needing to fit both modules onto ships, we have T1 and T2 module and rig manufacturing, and different implants. For example, if you want to fit a T2 Data and Relic Analyzer on a decent Astero build, you either need to use a fitting module/rig, or a Sisters Core Probe Launcher.

The skill progression for Hacking and Archaeology is fairly shallow as well. I don't think it's beneficial to remove one of the skills and make the skill progression even more shallow. There is only the one skill for each Hacking and Archaeology to train to 5, and then you're done. There's no "Advanced" skill tree, or additional supplementary skills needed. We could even add in a skill, such as one that gives you more range to your hacking module. There is no need to give newbies a break, as a lot of the exploration sites can be done with a T1 hacking module and low skills.

Yes, the basic frigate skill is needed, cloaking, and scanning skills. But when you compare this to the depth of SP investment for mining (for example) to get to an Exhumer with T2 Strip Mining and Ice Lasers, you can see where the investment for Hacking/Archaeology really isn't that much. On top of that, the Astero/Stratios have made it easier to get into decently bonused ships much faster than having to train Frigate 5 and then Covert Ops.

CCP have cleverly created a new tier of exploration with the Sleeper Cache sites where it requires Hacking and Archaology 5 to leverage the SP investment , as well as very good scanning skills to access them. This puts a higher SP bar to access and complete these sites, as well as the more difficult ones requiring very good tanking skills, as well as Cruiser level ships such as a Stratios or T3 Cruiser.

The new Covert and Besieged Covert sites added also require one of the modules, as well as a good tank and DPS (in the case of defeating the Mordu's Legion ships).

On top of this we have the new Drifter Complexes which require two teams equipped with Data Analyzers to access the central Hive. This is probably more to CCP's intent in Odyssey with the "loot spew" (now removed) where they wanted Exploration activities that encouraged teamwork.

When you look at the effort involved in removing one of the modules, industry components, the skills, and modifying all of the sites - I just don't see the benefit to us as a result of this effort on the part of CCP.

More details on what actual changes we could use in next post.