Reviving thread because I had a similar idea to this...
Add "escape pod" to ship type (the options when saving blueprint). Than if ever we see faction combat options, a config box of "attacks occupied escape pods" or "capture occupied escape pods" or anything really could be implemented. This way you could have factions that don't take prisoners, or factions that do.
By default I'd say escape pods aren't shot at or pursued, that way they can function as intended.... maybe a ship can only be an escape pod if it doesn't have weapons? I don't like to see limitations but I guess this way someone doesn't make a battleship and calls it an escape pod, lol