A capital ship makes a statement about the power of the country that builds it. An obviously reduced design can weaken that statement. Small Spanish dreadnoughts illustrate the criticism: a navy has to consider whether the ship's fighting power will support the impression it intends to create.
Notable Point · 3:31:54-3:32:42
Why a capital ship's deterrent value matters
A capital ship represents national power, so conspicuous economies can weaken its deterrent effect.