Search for and message other players anytime

It would be nice to be able to search other players by username or pilot number.  There has been times when I found a player that I habe played well with, but there is no way to sent them a message. I know you can look and see and also invite players you just played with, but it would be better if you could message that person at a later time or maybe be able to look up their username and see if they happen to be playing the next time you play. I have a whole list of usernames, and screenshots of their hangers in order to put together a well rounded clan, but their is nothing I can really do with it!