Let us collectively assume fighter bays just put preassembled pieces together. Let's assume that ship transfer being instant (unless FD change their minds - please do) is just an out-of-character convenience thing just like refueling and loading cargo is instant, and not an actual in-character element.
And then if FD include anywhere the concept of 3D printing around the fighter bays, let us demand they change that to preassembled pieces.
Because if we go down this route and accept that in the Elite universe a you can actually 3D print entire spaceships in situ and within just a few minutes, everything falls apart: starting with how trading of anything but the most fundamental raw materials would be a waste of time and then everything would unravel where little remains that makes any sense at all.
(For the record, I am not says this level of 3D printing is not possible in 1000 years, I am saying if it is, civilization would be nothing at all like the one depicted in ED.)
And then if FD include anywhere the concept of 3D printing around the fighter bays, let us demand they change that to preassembled pieces.
Because if we go down this route and accept that in the Elite universe a you can actually 3D print entire spaceships in situ and within just a few minutes, everything falls apart: starting with how trading of anything but the most fundamental raw materials would be a waste of time and then everything would unravel where little remains that makes any sense at all.
(For the record, I am not says this level of 3D printing is not possible in 1000 years, I am saying if it is, civilization would be nothing at all like the one depicted in ED.)