Rated ships normally carried captains and often sailing masters, while smaller brigs and similar vessels fell into the unrated category under masters and commanders. That administrative boundary makes the apparent rating ladder about command status as well as gun count. Although an economic high-mid-low mix often makes sense, warships still need a defining strength in this analysis. Fifth rates offered cheaper and more flexible cruising, while third rates could survive in the line and combine against larger opponents. Fourth-rate fleets were especially vulnerable when stronger third rates entered the same battle space.
Chapter · 4:31-8:47
The rating system and the limits of a high-mid-low fleet
The six rated classes put fourth rates near the numerical middle, but naval combat rewarded ships with a clear fighting or cruising emphasis rather than generic balance.