Simple, have friendly NPCs that repair you.

I don't care for it. I prefer the http://vendetta.guildsoftware.com/?action=postmsg&forum=3&thread=3001 idea.

I think that a vessel that could venture out and recover crtically damaged craft and bring them to a safe base would be awesome. The ship wouldn't have to be large, just a flatbed ship with a bridge and some defensive weaponry.
Also, the SRV would only recover Fighter-class craft, no Rags, Proms, Marauders, Centaurs, or Atlases. Just Cents, Hogs, Vultures, Wraiths and maybe busses.

i suggested the idea of ships that can get critically damaged and be boarded and stuff... no-one liked it (not even me after thinking it through), for the obvious reason of "whatcha gonna do if noone finds ya?".