After an indepth argument/discussion/debate over the upgrades in another thread I have come to the conclusion that 80% of the upgrades have already been implemented into actual equipment using YAML (Sensors, targeting comps, gyros, myomer, ferro, endo etc) And have decided I really dislike the way upgrades have been implemented in this title.
This clunky, half baked upgrade system that PGI has created is not only superfluous using this mod but also unbalancing. (Not that I am forced to use it.)

What I am asking/suggesting (As I lack the knowledge on the editor and its limitations.) Can the mech upgrades be re-purposed into leopard upgrades instead?

Limit the amount of pilots the base leopard can have, ship speed & range, firepower, cold storage tonnage, equipment tonnage, active mech bays etc.
Then have these things upgraded in tiers using C- Bills rather than as cantina rewards.
I figure the cantina rewards could still remain in the form of cash, equipment for completion but seperate the ship upgrades form these.
This would give players something more rewarding to spend C-bills on other than unlimited mechs and equipment & IMO add strategic depth and challenge for your merc company & your logistical/budgeting skills starting out.

Ideally upgrading the ship itself in tiers starting with the leopard all the way to a union would be best but given that this ship has been requested so many times I am pretty sure this is one of the limitations going by the fact this has not already been done.