Yeah thats definitely true, I think the only way you can even attempt to manipulate it is by going to lanius sectors when given the choice. That being said, you basically dont even need more crew if you run the Lani B boarding build, because two goons that suck oxygen out of the room they go in is enough to destroy like 95% of the ships you encounter, even on hard. At least until the later sectors. But by then, the additional money from boarding kills will usually lead to you having a cracked ship, so it doesnt even matter. Basically I love those little scrap metal buddies, especially that event where your Lanius crew member just eats a computer to get rid of a harmful virus.

Another reason the Lanius B is the best ship in the game, if your crew dont need oxygen then your ship can be like 99% fire proof all the time.