+1. Been asking for this for years! I'd like to see the following speed options: All-stop, Ahead-slow, Ahead-full, Ahead-flank. Normal cruising speed would be Ahead-full, say 22 knots. Flank would be the current fleet speed, which is about 30 knots, I believe. I'd also like the ability to "man the helm", i.e. take direct control of the flagship's wheel. I'd make it so both functions would require someone to spawn into the helmsman's position, i.e. you can't take direct control of the helm while flying or driving something else. Naturally, you'd have to have code that overrides the player-helmsman's inputs, if such maneuvering would result in any of the ships in the TG running aground. Leaving the helmsman position would return the TG back to autopilot at flank speed. Some sort of indicator would be good, such that it would warn friendly pilots on the flight deck or nearby that the ship was about to maneuver. Either a warning light, or an audible buzzer/bell, I should think.
Surface actions would be much cooler if we had direct helm control, and it would be a much quicker means to initiate evasive maneuvers. Battle stations!