Heh, I believe the Saga rules also allow you to use Block or Deflect against Vong though too.
(not 100% certain on that, I'd have to double-check).
There are a TON of other abilities in the Saga edition though, that are more like Force powers (especially with the new JA manual), and may be more like what you're getting at.
OT: There's some neat stuff in that new book, that could transfer well to the mini's game, including some abilities that block half the incoming damage (similar to one of the suggest SSM changes). So, there's some hope out there.