A deliberately contrived battlecruiser simulation makes the target-aspect argument visible. Both all-forward ships can point their bows toward one another while keeping their heavy batteries bearing. Neither needs to expose the full side of its hull merely to use its principal weapons, so the target presented is narrower and centrally located machinery is harder to reach. The game setup is illustrative rather than evidence about a historical battle, but it clearly demonstrates the geometry the later historical examples depend upon.
Notable Point · 13:58-15:23
Bow-on firepower and a narrower target
A bow-on ship with its heavy guns forward can concentrate fire quickly while exposing less hull and making a hit on its machinery spaces harder to obtain.