My idea is pilot's stats growth for winning air combat, depending on combat actions (like dodge, hits etc). Like at groung combat missions.
Do you understand now, how Han Solo gets his legendary gunfight reaction?
Next, the idea of alternative mode of combat (or secondary equipment, like targeting computer) - "Achilles targeting": your vessel crew trys to hit the most vulnerable points of enemy ship, increasing damage and... chances to blow up it into pieces, without treasure reward.