A reader's assessment treats Queen Elizabeth as a compromise between naval ambition, cost, and the reactions of other powers. More guns and greater speed would look attractive in a Second World War comparison. The comment adds that introducing those improvements earlier would also change subsequent battleship development. Rivals could respond, leaving the improved ships in a similar relative position against a stronger later generation. The benefit of an alternative design therefore depends on the rest of the counterfactual, rather than on comparing it only with historical opponents.
Notable Point · 1:40:12-1:42:44
Why a stronger Queen Elizabeth also changes her rivals
A reader's counterfactual caution: earlier British improvements would also alter later rival designs.