Comments by "Steve Valley" (@stevevalley7835) on "RN Pisa - Guide 228" video.

@UNSCForwardontodawn the RM built the San Giorgio class armored cruisers after the Pisas, but I think the Pisas are better looking. The Pisas also abandoned casemate mounted guns. The thing about both classes was the reliance on 14 pounders for plinking torpedo boats, as the 1890s torpedo boats were rapidly being replaced by destroyers of 1000 tons, that a 14 pounder would not make much of an impression on. The Russians were all too familiar with trying to swat destroyers. When Vickers suggested Rurik receive the usual peashooter torpedo boat defense, the Russians demanded something a heck of a lot heavier, so Rurik ended up with 4.7" instead. Rurik is a pretty handsome ship too. I'm torn between Pisa, for looks and abandoning casemate guns, and Rurik, which has a tertiary armament that can actually do damage.
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@eamon821 for your scenario 1: I would look at Italy, where Italy was allowed to make more significant improvements in it's ships, because they were so obsolete, compared to the other powers. So the Nassau class could receive the same treatment as the Cavour class. Scenario 2: I'd built Scharnhorsts, secretly designed from the outset to be easily upgunned to 15". A smaller hull would probably have trouble with an adequate number of 15" guns, plus some armor, plus enough engine to drive it at 30kts. On paper, a Scharnhorst with six 15" would be a match for a Renown, and could outrun a QE or Revenge. Going toe to toe with Hood might be a bit problematic, but the RN only had one Hood.
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