Do battle blades provide more than visual intimidation?

Do the deployed battle blades do anything beyond making the ship larger and easier to hit?

They add armor, but little else, while the ship relies heavily on electronic warfare and other defensive systems.

Battle blades provide physical armor and make the ship appear larger. Their deployment also blocks part of the normal point-defense coverage, while much of the hull remains exposed. The cruiser still depends on electronic warfare, drones, fighters, and maneuver to protect itself. The armor is useful in limited circumstances, with a real trade-off in active defense.