Speed controls the range, angle, and pace of an engagement

Five extra knots would shorten imperial transits and shape a battle once contact was made. Against slower 16-inch battleships, an F3-derived Nelson could use speed to choose the engagement range and maneuver onto a favorable bearing. That freedom affects whether combat begins as well as its angle, timing, and pace, reducing the opponent's ability to exploit nominal gun superiority. That speed would give a ship with smaller-caliber guns more control over the fight.