The large number of second- and third-class protected cruisers was a hedge against technological churn as well as a commerce-warfare choice. These ships were intended to defeat peers and smaller craft, police trade routes, and avoid stronger opponents unless supported. Their mission did not demand that every new class overturn the previous generation's battle-line performance. Most of the program was therefore concentrated in ship types less exposed to the rapid obsolescence feared by Granville.
Notable Point · 1:45:40-1:48:22
Cruiser roles limited the program's obsolescence risk
Most of the ships served commerce protection and interdiction roles whose requirements changed less abruptly than battle-line competition.