[kalthalior]

In traditional naval terms, smaller vessels are used primarily as scouts, escorts, minesweepers, or, in modern times, tasked with the anti-sub role. In other words, for specific fleet functions/roles. Traditional Cruisers are the smallest of the "stand and fight" general-purpose warhulls. This has slipped a little in modern times as warships size have increased. In the game, I use FG/DD hulls as scout, survey, repair, supply, mine laying/sweeping functions & picket duty role -- not (generally) as fighting ships, but to fulfill useful fleet functions that don't need the larger hull. Retrofitted LC's replace these specialty ships as I start building BC/BB classes, and CA/BC's as I start DN/BS construction.