Coastal-defence ships reverse the battlecruiser tradeoff

The episode compares battleships, battlecruisers, and coastal-defence ships through the familiar triangle of speed, armour, and firepower. British and German battlecruisers balance those qualities differently, while a battleship tries to remain near the center. A coastal-defence ship sits at the opposite extreme from a battlecruiser because its defended position gives the enemy a reason to approach it. Low speed is therefore an acceptable price for stronger protection and armament. A well-built and well-manned ship could use those qualities to equalize a fight against two or three attackers. The comparison turns an abstract design tradeoff into a clear explanation of the Gorgon class's intended combat value.