[Paul1980au]

Perhaps sub levels of armour or shielding or even ECM type defensive components to protect certain components - or sub shields to protect say weapons etc. Would add more complexity to the game plus a more diverse tech tree.

Planet defenses would become more specialised and perhaps sub mine types ie only damage engines or shields on such ships - perhaps destroying those components and forcing the player to repair etc.

Interesting ideas that would require quite substanital game changes - probably best as a modders dream.