What I'd like to see is:
What about those of us who want to fly a specific historical skin? Even with large number of variables in your system, a truly historical skin would be nearly impossible.
Your USN example is a basic example of what your idea can do. Let's say I want to make Ike Kepfords F4U-1A from VF-17, I can get a close if not nearly exact replica of Kepford's plane fairly easily.
But if you look at the 109F for example, now you need considerably more variables. At minimum, you need 12 basic paint patterns, then options for at least 4 yellow cowling patterns. Next are theater markings: white or yellow stripes for the rear fuselage in about 6 placement variations for each color, as well as wing tip patterns in 6 variations. Now we move on to fuselage numbers: you need the ability to have digits 1-20 available in black, white, yellow, red, and blue in three fonts; plus commander chevrons in at least 6 shape variations in both black and white. Add to this Gruppe markings behind the fuselage cross: various bars and squiggles multiple sizes in the same color as the numbers. You also need the ability to edit the paint pattern on the prop spinner. Now for squad markings, this should be fairly easy: placement available on the cowl, behind the cowling, fuselage side under the canopy, and fuselage side forward the tail. Of course there are nearly 100 different emblems needed to cover all the JGs, Gruppes, and Staffels that used the 109F. Finally, there are the kill marking for the tail: each set was unique, sometimes including artwork for milestones or awards, making these nearly impossible to replicate using generic "decals". All these options will only get you close enough so that somebody who knows Luft aircraft will recognize what the intent of the scheme was, but leaving them going "That's way off."
The point of all this is that the current system is the best and simplest for maintaining a simple and historically accurate skin set.
