Keeping torpedo boats cheap did not solve the wider fleet-balance problem. German cruiser construction was cut, so at Jutland its light forces faced more British destroyers and a much larger supporting cruiser force. Those cruisers stiffened and supported Royal Navy flotillas, worsening an already unfavorable numbers problem. Comparing destroyer and torpedo-boat totals alone therefore understates the German disadvantage.
Notable Point · 39:42-40:48
Cruiser cuts weakened German torpedo-boat support at Jutland
German torpedo boats faced more British destroyers at Jutland and a much larger cruiser force supporting them.