If it were real life i'd agree.. But it's a video game, not too fun playing when you have to make sure you dont crash or you go back to a sidewinder.
In DayZ SA we die we start "naked" from spawn point. It is one of the most sold Alpha projects. I guess many folks like the challenge AND the "fun for risk" rewards surmounts the "sense of loss".
Elite and DayZ are not the same but both games rely on a 1 time payment, there is nothing of "value" except vanity lost. "oh no all the time I lost into the game I chose the spend time one..."... lol
Both are games. Both have rules. Both are high success games. Do not dismiss the quality of a hardcore ironman mode.
TBH once proper MP ground get introduced I wouldn't mind a bit to get proper "perma death" solution to all "can't get enough sat...credits...".
... back on topic.
Paying ship upon destruction would revolve around a complete mechanic introduction for Pilot's Federation operations ( we still don't know exactly how it will work... ).
As it is now is a fairly simple system. You buy a full price, fully insured ship. You lose it you can have it back for 1/20th of the original price WITH ALL THE MODULES.
To me it is a gigantic HELP from the game. I don't have to spent another crazy amount of cash outfitting the ship.