Remember that ClassicJam has mentioned multiple times that the next release of the Star Wars mod will include plenty of new content. He has mentioned he is waiting on new sprites, etc.
New content = lots of testing needed
Especially given that 1.40 effectively breaks a lot of older mods, which means the new content can't be just added easily. Everything in the mod, new and old have to be retested to work with 1.40.
ClassicJam, yobeefjerky, Kroom, and Lafiel, is doing this for free, so that players like us can enjoy the game more. We should be appreciative and let them upgrade the mod with the new content.
BTW, for players looking for a Star Wars like gameplay, do check out the other mods on the forums, there are a couple that do add shields, mini-reactors, etc. Play around with those first.
I'm making a Star Destroyer-Killer with these other mods to test against the Star Wars mod when it comes out. 🙂
Edit: Liked first post. Supporting a Star Wars mod