One exception to the usual avoidance of unequal fleet engagements arises when a smaller vessel attacks and forces the heavier ship to answer. Even a fifth rate faces a severe disadvantage against a third rate in both weight and volume of fire. The rating system signals that imbalance even though the ships can physically engage one another. Lighter rates therefore had strong reasons to avoid initiating such contests.
Notable Point · 14:54-15:18
When a smaller rate attacks a heavier ship
A smaller warship could force an unequal engagement by attacking, but the heavier rate's weight and volume of fire made that choice exceptionally dangerous.