The size standardization of weapons components that have the same weapon family number and of components that have the same family number is quite important for effective AI and player ship upgrading. Just try designing an Earth Alliance ship with level one heavy laser/pulse arrays. Now try upgrading your design. But how, or if, you standardize your components is up to you.
Its impossible with this system to use the wrong mount for your engines; there is only one mount available to players. Have a look at this topic:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...;f=23;t=011058
