Could Jutland plausibly begin only after the two fleets closed to short range?
Short answerNo; ships would open fire as soon as they could see and range the enemy, because closing further sacrifices armor, screening distance, and the chance to refine fire control before entering the most dangerous band.
NotesEven in North Sea mist, Jellicoe could engage at low five-digit-yard ranges. Closing further would throw away protection, expose the fleet to enemy screens and torpedoes, and leave less time to establish an accurate range before hits became decisive. The exchange gives viewers a compact explanation of why a commander with a range advantage would not voluntarily delay fire.