Why the Royal Navy favored six-inch cruisers

Why did the Royal Navy favor six-inch cruisers instead of more eight-inch-gun ships?

At expected battle ranges, six-inch batteries could put more shells downrange and achieve more hits without needing the eight-inch gun's extra range and penetration.

An eight-inch gun offers greater individual shell power and maximum reach, but those advantages do not decide every cruiser engagement. The Royal Navy emphasized the volume of high explosive delivered around 18 kilometres and the probability of scoring hits. If likely opponents could be defeated by six-inch shells at the expected range, more rapid fire could matter more than a heavier projectile. The choice follows expected combat conditions rather than a general objection to eight-inch guns.