The hidden cost of another German battlecruiser

An extra German battlecruiser would draw money away from other parts of the fleet. Fewer cruisers and torpedo boats would weaken the screen needed to lay smoke and disengage from a faster British pursuit. Older or slower torpedo boats would compound the problem. These German vessels are characterized as fleet torpedo boats built more around torpedoes than guns. The loss of supporting strength is judged likely to outweigh the extra battlecruiser's gain, whereas the British additions would increase the overall force's power. Greater firepower could still affect the result despite British leadership weaknesses.