My point was more in line with your opinion than I think you are taking this, let me try to further explain. Have a "mechanics" skill line, that while in combat allows for refit, at longer time intervals, Such as if combat is occurring refits take (another EDIT FOR CLARITY) 275% at tier 1 to 150% at say tier 5, longer to attach, to account for duress, or other conditions. It adds that layer of pressure. Not to mention a good voxel builder as stated previously could also design a layout that does not require a trip outside to repair, then have a mechanic that has sunk the time into those skills to allow for a modicum of repair during the fight along with refit. At a more acceptable time frame than Instant.
We effectively get a regen "class" (not entirely unheard of in games) which takes time to be valuable. Just as with shooting skills piloting skills and other various aspects. There is Nothing "Silly" about this. I feel its grounded in reality a lot more then, "NO we cant EDITED FOR CLARITY refit / (fix) it because timer".
There's valuable Loot involved for those able to reduce that build to 0 as well in the form of extra scrap and Parts. Not to mention a new Skill Tree to enjoy, offer relevant skills to team members aside from the people in chairs. and during combat, can add an element of strategy.
Personally, I feel it offers just the opposite of, "... and finally in the spirit of all things sci-fi completely "unrealistic" when it comes to the essence of space combat fantasy." I feel it adds depth and a level of complexity to the combat. would it require balancing ? Sure but then that is what this thread is all about. Listening to the community, gaining valuable feed back and suggestions.