Hi Bigkahuna,
As Matthew Brown, the VRINSIGHT console is made of metal, and feels quite realistic. I don't think it would be easy to upgrade it (if it's possible at all), and I think it would be dangerous for it.
To my mind, if you need additionnal commands you don't find on this console, the best would be to build a second unit (Ship Sim is able to handle two joysticks at the same time), and to keep the console as it is.
I've been thinking about this too, I would love to have an additionnal console, just with four potentiometers (rudder 1, rudder 1, bowthruster 1, bowthruster 2).