Mixed fleets turn torpedo boats into force multipliers

A flotilla acting alone fares differently from a mixed force of capital ships and small attackers. Two battleships facing four are badly outmatched, but adding two dozen torpedo boats creates threats from several directions and prevents the enemy from concentrating solely on the main-battery duel. The weaker side's battleships can focus their fire while the stronger fleet divides its attention between ships, torpedoes, and quick-firing defence. Even if the weaker force loses, higher expected casualties may deter the opponent or compel it to return with destroyers. Once both sides field the same layered mix, the former offset has become ordinary fleet tactics rather than a replacement for balanced naval power.