A successful battle changes the political meaning of Lee's initiative. Lee could say he never received the later clarification, an explanation strengthened by the fact that Nimitz, King, and Kinkaid also read the first message as formation authority. Halsey, meanwhile, could preserve face by presenting the victory as proof that his contingency concept was sound. The same ambiguous communication that created the operational danger would therefore provide both admirals with a politically workable explanation after success.
Notable Point · 1:08:03-1:09:28
Victory would protect both Halsey and Lee
Lee could cite the widely understood first message, while Halsey could claim that his contingency plan had succeeded despite the premature execution.