The discarded Orlandos can be compared with HMS Leander, an older protected cruiser from the class they were intended to improve upon. Leander remained in service through the First World War and was not decommissioned until 1920. The key difference is that she was active rather than sitting in reserve when Fisher selected ships for disposal. Cutting reserve ships produced less immediate public evidence of shrinking strength. It also removed the backup hulls that could later serve as escorts, replacements, or force multipliers.
Notable Point · 1:31:31-1:32:44
HMS Leander survived because she was still active
An older and less capable predecessor to the Orlando class survived into 1920, supporting the argument that reserve status shaped Fisher's cuts.