I was just wondering about it, because if such hardcoding could be hacked, I bet many people might like to make their own comms, just as you can make your OGGs now.
If such anims were coded in a layered way, flexible and resolution independant, it would surely encourage artists to be part of this.
BTW, I found a BIG community of artists, called "Elfwood".
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/There are LOTS of artists there and I bet that among MANY artists the chances of making things interesting for talented one might be higher.
Look at the SF&F galleries...
Some are good, some arent.
I'd help but right now I am making stuff for another game.
If you want to see my SC pics, those are at
http://www.classicgaming.com/starcontrol/fan/3drender13.shtmlI am mostly good for drawing, not very good for modelling and I don't know too much about layering/transparency, etc... but I bet making new comms anim would be interesting someday.