[Q]

Good idea Geo.

I tried a similar approach. I made three master computer components: central core (=bridge), expansion modula A (=life support) and expansion module B (=crew quaters). The expansion modules are only 5kT each and cost less than the ordinary life support and crew quater components.
I don't use then the master computer ability anymore (because of the crew conVersion problem I want to solve in my mod), but of course you can give the central core component this second ability. The AI will use these components correctely as soon as they have been researched.