From the gameplay perspective that's good - can have it but have to do without something else. But it doesn't make much sense from the realism perspective which some are arguing for - a bit of software which should take up a completely negligable amount of a 33rd century computer.
Well logically, an autopilot would simply be software integrated into the fly-by-wire hardware of the ship. Yes.
Likewise Automated/Standard docking comp, and the supercruise assist.
But well, you have to put a compromise I guess?
Already you can see some of the time-sink, grindcore crowd around these parts mocking the idea of an autopilot because it makes the game "easy mode".
It's a flight sim, so fly it, they say. Some people just want everyone else to play a game they way they like it to be played.
Although some of these guys also might also contradict themselves when they argue elsewhere (especially in BGS/PP matters) this game isn't just a flight sim, or centered around a flight sim.
Anyway, having it as an optional module allows players a choice, and a cost.
U get the convenience of an autopilot (which does not give you any gameplay advantage, only an RL advantage which allows you to grab a beer while unimportant stuff is being done for you.
And if you are a Sierra Hotel elitist creme de la creme pilot, you can always use that module slot for something else.
