The game design has a genuine weakness: its stern is less heavily armoured than intended because machinery uses hull weight and volume differently from the forward gun group. The ship can point its stronger end toward the enemy and control how much of that weaker area is exposed. The opposing aft-heavy vessel has less freedom because using most of its guns can require presenting the machinery end. Internal weight distribution therefore affects both armour protection and the angles at which a ship can safely fight.
Notable Point · 24:46-25:58
Armour distribution and presenting the stronger end
The all-forward cruiser remains imperfect, but its tactical posture can reduce how much of its lightly armoured stern an opponent can target.