Why no destroyer is universally best

Destroyer doctrine starts with mission analysis rather than a preferred hull. Britain's dependence on maritime trade makes convoy protection especially important, while the United States faces a different exposure and resource position. Capital ships, carriers, overseas commitments, and treaty obligations change the balance between numbers, guns, torpedoes, range, and escort capability. Geography and transport infrastructure determine how severely a navy is exposed when sea routes fail. The result is a force designed around ranked national risks rather than a universal list of desirable features.