This is a very old idea that has been used. You can also make characters into facilities. The STM uses Captains as components and I think the Star Wars Mod (new one) does the same.
The problem is:
1. Cheating - Adding more than one character to design
2. AI Design - using AI_Tags you can get the AI to add one or more to a ship design, but getting them to add the best one....well thats the challenge.
3. Room to list all the characters. Most recommended at the end of the component list as to not conflict with other components.
4. balancing and tech.
Good idea, and great minds do think alike.
Thanks for suggesting it, it is always good to see people posting their ideas, even if they are old, it is still
very good to see them posted none the less by new members.
It means you enjoying the game and looking to get into modding.