This Idea is pretty great. It could save a lot of micro time (Seriously, I spend like 20 minutes doing this to all my bottlenecks;
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=448797458 Yes yes, they're under the force-field, i know, noob mistake, the point is that wall of turrets x_x)
Idea, what if the guard post used the module system as a strength-level?
For instance, the base would be 1/4 the power, and each module (up to 3) added would add 1/4 of the overall strength to it. that way, the post counts as 12 turrets energy, metal, and power-wise, and each module also counts as 12, with the same range and DPS.
It could even use the Modular fortress-type Build style.
As for further marks of the post, there should be a ship cap of three of each type of turret module per planet, meaning you could throw down 1 mark 1, 2, 3, and 4, pure posts, or have four mixed with all marks in case one get's destroyed.
Now, obviously, things like tractor turrets, grav turrets, and tach turrets would be left be for strategic placement and the like.
if replacing turrets isn't an alternative, what about having the choice in the beginning settings (Ships settings specifically, next to the complex, normal, and simple ship type settings.) where you can choose if you want turrets or posts? Then players who really like turret micro can have their turret micro xP
Just some thoughts, sorry for the flood ^^;