One thing I always missed in GalCiv2 was the lack of interceptors as a weapon. We all know a fighter can travel to another star which means they are not a one crew craft. There has to be a pilot, navigator, engineer, maybe some gunners. So my impression is the traditional Fighter in GalCiv probably has a crew of 3-10.
But what about truly one man craft that are short range slower than light? So I have some ideas.
1) an interceptor bay would be a large expensive module placed on a ship, multiple allowed. Relatively medium tech.
2) they would provide an across the board offensive increase by some balanced % for an entire fleet.
3) This would allow you to build a carrier that enhanced the whole fleet.
4) it really just behaves as an offensive modifier but the coolness value is there. Everyone wants Tie fighters and Colonial Vipers, even if it's just for show.
5) Quite a number of variations of techs could be researched: Interceptors, Advanced Interceptors, Bombers and so on. Each simply adding more of a modifier at each tech like the Stellar Marines does.
6) You can even add a planetary structure called Interceptor Base that would increase the offensive ability of ships in orbit or increases the HP or something, and can add a soldiering bonus when invaded. Makes it realistic...
A lot can be done with this without adding to much fuss to keep track of. I'm looking forward to hearing others ideas regard the topic.