I think carriers, particularly hybrid carriers, should have more control over their fighters. I propose fighters be commanded by two keys: Fighter Stance and Fighter Command.
Fighter Stance toggles fighters between two modes: Regroup and Roaming. Regroup is exactly as now. Roaming lets the fighters fly around attacking whatever they please.
Fighter Command changes functions depending on which mode the carrier's fighters are in.
- When in Regroup, Command sets the fighters' mode to Repair. Repair mode causes damaged fighters to land for a moment to repair and rearm, just as bombers do after an attack run. Hitting Command again toggles back to Regroup.
- When in Roaming, Command's function depends on what is currently targeted. If the target is an enemy ship, it sets the fighters' mode to Engage; the fighters attack that ship until given a different Command. By which I mean the carrier can target something else without distracting its fighters. If the target is a friendly ship, it sets the fighters' mode to Escort; the fighters protect that ship until given a different Command. If nothing is targeted, it sets the fighters back to Roaming mode.
This suggestion really only adds one fighter mode, but it makes all the existing modes explicit and more useful.
Spoiler
In case it isn't clear, Fighter Stance switches Regroup/Repair to Roaming and Roaming/Engage/Escort to Regroup.