Would protected cruisers follow a dreadnought cruiser trend?

If the Cressy class and subsequent armoured cruisers followed a dreadnought-style design, would protected cruisers follow too?

Probably; the same broad trend is expected to reach protected cruisers.

The proposal changes the design path of Cressy and the armoured cruisers that follow her. The answer expects protected cruisers to follow a similar trend. It does not specify a new battery or displacement for them.