Large destroyers take over small-cruiser duties

Cumulative treaty tonnage limits helped make small cruisers necessary. Once those restrictions disappear, very large destroyers can perform many of the same roles more efficiently. They fit a different price point and can draw on different shipyards and budget channels. That makes them easier to obtain, while cruisers increasingly justify themselves as status assets. Larger six-inch cruisers still retain useful roles within this projected fleet.