I don't know how others feel about this, but I think that a small component should be able to fit into a large component slot. On this notion of changing ship design, I think there should be some flexibility in placement of the slots. So if you can have 2 small and 2 large, then you can move it around the ship. Also...shields would be a nice additional component...maybe I didn't notice it or kinda old fashioned.

Object oriented ship loadouts?

http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/7692

Please see the first item in the list. Also see "shields" in that list.