If I'm right there were no links in PS1 when it first came out. So ya, could happen, maybe... Just depends how that would fit into the hex system they already have I guess. We'll have to wait and see how it goes down in beta to really tell.
I'm all for idea on something to do while a hack goes through. I'm hoping the devs have already put some thought into it as well!
You could take one down close to a base you have, that links another 2 bases, not allowing the hack to go down untill they fight you for it.
Are you talking about sub-stations here? So you're saying the enemy must first capture surrounding sub-stations before they can re re-secure a hack on their base?