Scenario: A really difficult battle, you win but only barely, your big ship is destroyed during battle, big bummer. And no ships on the enemy side are recoverable, you're left with small frigs/fighters.
How about adding a tractor-function based upon some skill (salvaging?), so at level 1 of salvaging you can salvage 1 frigate class ship, at level 2 you can salvage 2 frigate class and at level 3 you can salvage 3 frigate class OR 1 destroyer class.
What would the advantages be?
Don't have to refit a new ship.
Would be cheaper to repair in station than to buy a new ship.
What would the disadvantages be?
Having to train/recruit a whole new crew for the ship.
When your fleet is tractoring ships they would move at decreased speed.
also: hi.