Let EAS-4 struts re-attach upon docking

[OHara]

In the VAB, if we detach and re-attach a part with struts, the struts automatically connect to any part along the original direction of their rods.

If the same re-attaching could happen in flight, it would fill many of the roles now served by auto-struts.
Rovers in cargo bays could re-dock and be re-connected rigidly by struts waiting to re-attach to their cargo.
Space stations could be stiffened upon docking assembly.

The 50kg mass associated with the launching end of the strut seems reasonable for an extension and locking mechanism.

The advantage over autostruts is finer control by the player, and an easier user interface because the strut ends are visible.  The mechanism rewards pre-planning, so the struts will be there when and where needed, which seems to fit KSP's style.

(There is a mod "quantum struts" that seems to do something similar.)

[linuxgurugamer]

There is another mod called EVA Struts.  Not quite the same thing, but together with KIS you can put struts wherever you want