If FTL exists there is no reason to believe without knowing specifics that achieving it requires a particular level of improvement over present development. It be technologically behind us along a path not taken or just ahead. There is a fantastic little short story exploring this idea its only a few pages.
If FTL isn't a factor its not necessary for them to have survived millions of years. Maybe we shall be ready to undertake such journeys in a century and perhaps suitable targets exist only decades journey away.
Lastly even capable humans sometimes make simple stupid mistakes. No reason to hold our neighbors to infinitely high standards. Centuries of progress didn't stop us from losing a space probe because of a failure to convert units properly.
https://eyeofmidas.com/scifi/Turtledove_RoadNotTaken.pdf
If FTL isn't a factor its not necessary for them to have survived millions of years. Maybe we shall be ready to undertake such journeys in a century and perhaps suitable targets exist only decades journey away.
Lastly even capable humans sometimes make simple stupid mistakes. No reason to hold our neighbors to infinitely high standards. Centuries of progress didn't stop us from losing a space probe because of a failure to convert units properly.