[Fyron]

So if there was a 500kT super satellite somewhere could it not achieve the same end if the components listed could be made to be satellite mountable? (i.e.1x Bridge; 2x Life Sup; 2x Crew Qtr; 1x Ship Yard; 2x Cobra Bays)

Technically, that would work. BUT, multiple "base-sats" would stack with each other, like normal satellites do. That wouldn't be very good at all.

Could we not make fighters suitably vulnerable that even if we had them Jump Gate capable it would balance out. I want to be able to send Colony ships out with a small fighter escort.

Give them a Fighter Bay and load some fighters on. That gives them an escort.