Why two York-class cruisers did not justify the cut-price concept

Were the York-class cruisers a better economy than the Dido class?

No; without the planned numerical advantage, two near-County-price Yorks were poor strategic and economic value.

York and Exeter were capable, hardworking ships, but their savings over a full County were too small to justify their reduced power. The procurement logic only worked if six smaller cruisers could be bought for the cost of four larger ones, placing ships in more locations. Building only two erased that strategic advantage while retaining the compromises. Two full-size Surrey-type cruisers are therefore preferable to the two historical Yorks, although a six-ship York program would make the comparison harder.