Repulse's quick refit kept a fast ship available

Was Repulse's 1936 refit a compromise?

Yes; it was a quick availability refit so Repulse could cover duties while Renown was rebuilt and Hood awaited her turn.

The 1936 work was a deliberate compromise rather than the Royal Navy's ideal final reconstruction. Repulse had to remain available while Renown entered a long refit. Hood was expected to follow, after which Repulse might receive deeper work or be displaced by a new fast battleship. Modernization schedules therefore depended on maintaining enough operational hulls, not simply choosing the best technical package for each ship.