Merging nanobots into hull will not change cargo size but will prevent insta kills by capital ships or SNAC/Novas. That's the jist of this thread, to add another, very soft protection for traders, that could enhance gameplay for all sides. I doubt it makes huge difference to aggressor in capital ship if shooting unarmored transport takes 5 seconds or 30 seconds.
Traders are bread and butter of Disco activity and soft, gameplay protection for them is better than over complicated rules that staff put in place.