Not saying I like the current shield recharge mechanics, but it does change your tactics and its something that you must consider at all times.
For example, last night I managed to lose my Vulture's shields in a CZ, so I decided a tactical withdrawal was necessary (i.e. run away!). So I boosted clear of the area, retracted my weapons and headed off to the nearest base in supercruise. In the meantime I switched off my shield boosters and put 4 pips in SYS to hopefully assist the shield recharge.
I no sooner got into supercruise and I immediately scanned an powerplay enemy ship - actually a wing. So now I have the prospect of an interdiction by high ranked ships and no shields!! I tried to manoeuvre away from the enemy ships, but a few seconds later I was being interdicted - my first thoughts were "this is going to be fun".
Most of the time, I just submit and immediately destroy the ship or ships that interrupted my journey, either for credits or combat ranking. This time however I was in full boost, boost and charge that FS drive mode.
Happy to say that I managed to escape and no sooner got back into SC and my shields had at last recharged.
Next time I run out of shields, I will be trying to find somewhere quiet to hide while my shields recharge before I jump into SC.
Have to agree with the OP that an option to recharge when docked would be very useful - even if it was only an increase in the recharge rate, which could not be exploited.
Take care CMDR's