Meh. Some people abuse that. Like you're flying a cap, and I'm coming with a bomber. I shoot a few novas at you, my shield fails, I thrust at 5-6k, then I come back with the shield recharged. And I'll do that until either one of us dies or we get bored and fly in opposite directions.
Really, I have no problems with caps cruising to catch up with my puny fighter, but imho it's yet one more un-needed rule.