Hey there CCIP
Only just recently bought the game and believe it or not, I was just getting into the game and the first thing on my mind was "what can we do with abilities?"
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=165001
Anyway, I am just browsing over the file and it appears that there is huge potential in there (especially if new options can be shown in the UI menus throughout the sub equipment and crew).
I want to shout at my crew so they perform better e.g. watch crew, keep your eyes peeled you blind gits = spotting range increased for 1 hour and morale loss etc

ying yang
Overall I am very interested in whats going to be discussed on the whole subject but one thing would really stand out for me:- the ability add the interaction UI on equipment as well as other crew members just dossing in thier bunks. If that is even remotely possible, then this game will far exceed the others for immersion factor.
Hope this is not too far distracted from your own ideas