it's an old ship disposition that continues to exist: as we can see back in 10RC2 ( Dwarg Raider was the example I found in a quick look back )
today, you will see it in the Xenophobe Fighter and several others.
I honestly do not know Exactly what these "API" thingymabobs are : but code is code, orders are orders and since George does this in his free time the game MUST not require an entire re-write every time some issue with something that used to work is found ( or something newly added )
so if your ship or station was a certain way for 15 years, it's probably is that way today - someplace in the universe - maybe better graphics or missions, but it shouldn't change much if it always worked.
Flying Irresponsibly In Eridani......
I don't like to kill pirates in cold blood ..I do it.. but I don't like it..