Ok, I get how the upgrade system works and all, but how can you upgrade a trait more than once??? Does this mean you must upgrade 3x per life or does it carry over after deaths? I can upgrade once, but thereafter the upgrade menu tells me it'll cost "-1" RP to upgrade and won't let me.... What is going on or is this how it's supposed to work?

You only need to gestate once per upgrade, per life.
Look on the right side of the HUD-- see those icons? Each represents an upgrade (either Defensive, Movement, or Sensory). The number of icons tells you the level of upgrade (there'll be one heart icon for Adrenaline 1, two for Adrenaline 2, etc.). Your upgrades will level up automatically as Gorges build more of that particular chamber, up to three.

indeed..... well thank ya very much, was quite confused there... hehe.... poor n00b me