Would Germany still build the Deutschland ships with 11-inch guns if 9.2-inch cruisers had become common?
Short answerYes, in this scenario, because German gun-making infrastructure constrains the armament available for their replacements.
NotesThe German response to widespread 9.2-inch cruisers would still be constrained by available gun production. The Deutschland ships were replacements for pre-dreadnoughts, and the explanation offered here is that German industry could supply 11-inch guns. The same constraint is applied to Scharnhorst, with twin 15-inch mounts considered later. Six heavy guns also draw criticism as an awkward armament for a ship intended to serve in the battle line.