Suggested Changes for Naval Units

Overall I've really enjoyed naval combat, with the minor exception of the poor autocalc fomula. But improvements could still be made. I would suggest the following for NTW:

(1) New Models: The biggest flaw in the models is the Fifth Rate using a two-decker model rather than a frigate model. Both Britain and France had standard frigates (38 and 40 guns respectively) that would make excellent models for the Fifth Rate. Other minor tweaks would also help, such as an improved First Rate (Victory would be an excellent model), and a Third Rate that was a true 74.

(2) Replace Cannonade Frigate: While they did exist, there were only a few examples. The role of the Cannonade Frigate was mostly played by large Sloops-of-War. Fast, single-decked ship-rigged vessels with up to 22 cannonades used as commerce raiders and pirate hunters. Think of a frigate with an open gun deck and no forecastle or quarterdeck.

(3) Eliminate "Admirals" Ships: I've found these to be somewhat of an oxymoron. Traditionally the admiral simply used the most powerful ship in his flotilla, usually a First or Second Rate. "Admirals" ships are unnecessary. In addition, it doesn't make sense that First, Third, and Fifth Rates have admiral versions while Second and Fourth do not. Instead, I would like to see the option to simply move admirals from ship to ship while in port. Another idea would be to give bonuses to a ships if it has an Admiral on board, rather than separate classes of ships.

(4) Revamp Pirates: Instead of simply being a faction with death-stacks of Flyutes and Galleons, it would be nice to see random spawns of smaller ships. Something a small flotilla of Frigates or Sloops-of-War could handle.

(5) Reverse Campaign Map Travel Distance: As it stands now larger ships move more during a turn. IMHO this should be reversed. Bigger ships should be slower, and smaller ships faster. This would make smaller ships more useful as commerce raiders/defenders. You could use them to raid a distant trade route or keep them in port ready to hunt down such raiders. As it stands now there is little use for anything smaller than a Third Rate once you are capable of building them.

(6) Fix Auto-Calc: Current formula is just plain broken. New formula needs to give greater weight to the size of ships. If I have a mixed fleet of First to Third Rates, and a couple of Third Rates attack, the most likely outcome is that the heavy ships kill the attackers before they can even engage the smaller ships.