I kinda assumed they didn't allow normal chests for various balance reasons but the fact that the cargo bays seem to snap to 2x2 grids and their 4x4 size make them a good challenge to work around while still getting some more use out of them.

IMO, it should either be able to be separate from the space platform hub(command center that you can pull from) or be able to pull from the bays. But having to be connected to the hub and not be able to pull from. A potential nice improvement would be to do both, be able to pull and be separate, but...