Why Russia's Pacific reinforcements faced such poor odds

Why was sending Russia's Second and Third Pacific Squadrons around the world such a poor plan?

The Russian expedition lacked the supporting ships and local logistical advantages of Japan's balanced fleet. Its long voyage compounded those weaknesses, while coastal-defence battleships were poorly suited to the fleet action awaiting them.

Japan had 29 cruisers against Russia's nine and more torpedo boats than the Russian expedition had ships altogether. The comparison gives roughly 125 Japanese vessels against 38 Russian ships, although their individual capabilities varied. Several Russian heavy ships were poorly suited to a modern fleet action. Japan's ships mostly had clean hulls, recent maintenance, fresh supplies, and crews in good condition. Rozhestvensky had achieved an exceptional feat in bringing his expedition to battle, but the voyage left him facing decisive Japanese advantages in speed, numbers, and flexibility.