Somehow i oppose too the idear of FighterPilots in space, since even in space a human body will severly temper the preformace of any craft (air of space) due G limits...
Also the loss of life of a pilot is bigger hit as loosing a droneship, so TBH i do see a future in VR controlled crafts, and its allready out that the F22 prolly will be the last manned fighter craft build, project this too the future i doubt we will see many fighterjocks in cockpits...
Having said that, i dont think pilots will be removed at all, only they are now detached from their crafts with remote control (Future VR) too place them back into the cockpit but without the risk of them actually beeing there.
And it doesnt matter if they are in the cockpit or located on a mothership, the job as fighterjock is still there, only they sit now warm and comfy far away with a cup of hot coco playing a very real "game"
At least thats how i envision future air (space) combat in reality, thus not so crazy if that is also implemented in Rebirth..
And still those VR jock recieve promotions/ranks/medals like in the "old days" when cockpit and craft where still attached too each other
In retrospect too this, there wont be much of a difference is there, cept the location of the cockpit