R-class speed against the German battle line

How did the Revenge class compare in speed with the German battle line?

Its roughly 22-knot design speed was adequate against a German line near 21 knots, but small-tube boilers could have delivered a worthwhile improvement at modest cost.

The discussion compares R-class speed with a German battle line that included modern pre-dreadnoughts and dreadnoughts likely constrained to below 21 knots. Early German ships with vertical triple-expansion engines could also struggle to sustain their maximum speed. Revenge was designed for about 22 knots, though later bulging cost roughly half to one knot. The answer accepts the basic comparison but returns to small-tube boilers, which could have improved performance substantially without a large cost increase. The class could be adequate for a North Sea battle line while still representing a missed machinery opportunity.