Why World of Warships' Elbing works better in game than at sea

Would the German design represented by Elbing in World of Warships have been practical in real naval service?

Not in the way it performs in game; it is essentially a light cruiser protected by destroyer rules that would not exist in real combat.

The game's Elbing represents a German Spähkreuzer concept and is distinct from the historical Elbing-class light destroyers. Its six 6-inch guns give it the character of a small light cruiser. In the game, destroyer classification lets it avoid the vulnerable citadel associated with cruisers and absorb damage on unusually favourable terms. Those protections would disappear in real combat, where opponents such as Tribal-class destroyers would pose a serious threat. A possible Pacific role without aircraft is raised briefly, but its game performance does not establish a convincing real-world advantage.