In 0.23, you can use a Kerbal to transport data. So you could get the data out of the SSTO, recover the Kerbal, then send another Kerbal (or the same one again) using a capsule and perhaps a vehicle on the launch pad. But, yeah, what you suggest wouldn't be a bad feature. Then again, are you refueling your SSTO on the surface? If not, then you'll only be able to use it so many times, might as well recover and relaunch it, just call it "maintenance" to appease yourself. Ninja'd...