So...since the forums have been so quiet lately and I've got Star Wars games on the brain for some reason, it's time for another Buggula Crazy Idea(TM)!
Upon release, FotG is well on track to be THE definitive Star Wars Space Combat game for a whole generation. But why stop there? Why not make THE definitive Star Wars game?
Using existing APIs (or heck, build our own) we design an interface for FSO to talk to [insert favorite open-source or modable FPS game engine here]. This is all done server side, and only needs to include a small subset of data such as map (ship) name and number of combatants on each side. Each ship in FSO (with the exception of one manned fighters) will need to have its interior mapped (to at least some degree. I wouldn't expect the ENTIRE Star Destroyer interior modeled) and assigned a default number of combat troops. Any time a starship docks with an enemy vessel or station, the FPS engine loads up the proper map and number of combatants on each side, and proceeds to use AI bots to play out the battle, with each kill counting down from the total reserve (think Battlefield games). The encounter is resolved either by killing the entire enemy crew and taking over the ship (at which point the API informs FSO that the ship has been captures and changes sides) or by destroying specific objectives that can either disable or destroy the ship.
At any time a player can join an encounter in progress through the FPS client and assume the role of a combat soldier, choosing from a list of all available battles ongoing. When an encounter is terminated, they'll have the option of choosing a new battle to participate, while all this is effecting the overall battle raging on in the FSO engine.
But why stop there? Each side could also have a commander that has more of a RTS viewpoint and issues directions to both players and AI units, similar to Natural Selection. For players these would be in the form of waypoints or targets. They could issue commands to capital ships to attack or board other ships, as well as overall fleet tactics. This way missions and orders don't have to be FRED'ed before hand, but can play out naturally and differently each time. All that a map would need are starting ships (and their compliment of combat troops) and any other obstacles or installations.
So...this is pretty much just a pipe dream, but I think ultimately would be possible. With a crap-ton of work. But DAAAAAANG would it be a ton of fun to play!