I think it wouldn't be that big a deal, and it might be a nice feature.  Very rarely did people actually get into the astromech droid positions in GC, but it was nice that it was available.  I personaly think that if you guys have time for something as minor as this then it would be great.  I also realize that this might turn into an exploit with people using the X-Wings or Y-Wings as taxis if you can put two people in them, but I don't think that would be very likely since its way more fun to fly them.  As for the repair issue, check out the shields thread I just started. 

I know you guys are working hard on this mod, its not easy to make a mod. In fact its darn hard, but you guys are doin great.   You can't afford to take the time to implement everyones tiny little personal requests, otherwise you would probably lose a lot people due to the extra time it would take to release everyone's little personal verision of First Strike.  Keep up the good work, you guys rock!

I definetly disagree with having a player play as the xwing r2 unit. I mean besides the unrealisticness of having a human pilot a driod (tho that 1s not so big on my list) theres the fact taht during a dogfight the r2 unit could completely repair the plane in seconds, makin who ever was on it's tail very angry....

Tho I kind of liked seeing the r2 head swivel around. Might it be possible to make the R2 unit a dynamic object in the xwing that turns it's head and beeps? I mean that little thing wont ruin the mod for me if it's not here...But when I have to face down a imperial SD and a whole TIE squadrons heading my way, it might be nice to have a beep of moral support everynow and then...

Futurama: You Can't Prove it Won't Happen