When a smaller ASW-focused frigate could work

Would reducing the air-defense requirement and concentrating on existing ASW systems have produced a more workable frigate?

It could have produced a useful, more modest ASW escort, but only if the fleet had enough higher-end combatants to cover it and keep it from unsupported high-threat operations.

A more modest frigate focused on existing ASW capabilities could have been worthwhile in this assessment. It would still need sufficient supporting coverage. Otherwise, the operational limit would be to keep those frigates with their task groups.