The calibre discussion then becomes a procurement problem. If large numbers of destroyers carried eight 5.5-inch guns, the weapon would become familiar within British naval construction and service culture. An 8,000-ton cruiser carrying eight 6-inch guns would offer only a modest increase in calibre over a 2,000-ton destroyer. That comparison forces the larger and more expensive cruiser to justify the additional capability it provides.
Notable Point · 49:23-51:40
When destroyer guns erode the case for a cruiser
Standardizing powerful 5.5-inch guns on destroyers could make an 8,000-ton cruiser with only slightly larger weapons look like poor value for money.