How balanced would a 1930s raider-hunting group built around a fast capital ship, a carrier, four cruisers, and 16-24 destroyers be?
Short answerIt would be more than sufficient and arguably oversized for ordinary raider patrols, with enough strength to confront multiple enemy capital ships.
NotesThe proposed force combines one fast capital ship, one carrier, four cruisers, and 16-24 destroyers. It is somewhat heavy for raider patrols because ordinary surface raiders would not match its capital ship or heavy cruisers, and the panel would be comfortable using it against two Scharnhorsts or even two Littorios. Its carrier scouting, cruiser strength, and three destroyer flotillas exceed the likely opposition.