New ships could replace old crews and compound fleet strength

Extra modern ships would not require every older hull to remain fully crewed. Personnel could move from less useful vessels, while Dominion navies might provide some crews. Manpower was also less stretched early in the war, when these additional ships would have arrived. Replacing older hulls might even prevent some losses. Major warships available late in a conflict are usually those already built or under construction when it begins. Early construction choices therefore compound across a long war as losses and maintenance demands reduce later options. Crew totals alone do not settle the value of completing newer ships.