Nine- or ten-gun cruisers improve on York and Exeter

How would York and Exeter change if built as nine- or ten-gun designs like Hampshire and Nottingham in World of Warships?

They would be more capable than the historical cut-price County design, whose modest savings did not compensate for reduced speed, armament, and protection.

The question uses Hampshire and Nottingham from World of Warships as examples of nine- or ten-gun cruiser alternatives. York and Exeter were capable ships, but their economy case was weak. The cheaper design was supposed to deliver four cruisers for the cost of three full County-class ships. In practice, acquisition and crew savings were too small while speed, armament, and armor were all reduced. The larger alternatives are favored here for their greater capability.