Earth begins the Stargate era behind older galactic powers, so each BC-304 must arrive with enough firepower and protection to make a credible military point. That combination of capital-ship weight and cruiser-style reach supports the battlecruiser label. The same concentration of capability leaves a small fleet vulnerable to opponents willing to exploit superior numbers. Prometheus-sized cruisers could be produced in greater quantity, cover routine missions, and accompany the larger ships rather than asking a BC-304 to do every job. Several smaller cruisers might be built for the resources required by one battlecruiser. A high-low mix would balance deterrent prestige with presence, resilience, and affordable fleet numbers.
Chapter · 1:37:28-1:40:12
A battlecruiser needs smaller cruisers beside it
The BC-304 must be powerful enough to represent a rising Earth, but a balanced fleet would also retain cheaper Prometheus-sized cruisers for numbers.