Portland 50s

I have been pondering my Leander.

Can anyone offer a plausible explanation in game terms why a 50 gun 4th rate mounting 24 pdrs on the lower deck has a similar broadside to a Hebe class frigate? Also, why would the Portlands have a better veer? The "O" deck seems to be an "E" deck with tighter turns. Why would a liner be able to turn tighter than a frigate? I see that Portlands were about 6' (2m) shorter than the Hebes. Is that a good enough reason for the tighter turning ability?

This is your chance to stop me before I go all "House Rules" on this class.

I had not actually remarked the stats for the Leander Dobbs. It does, however explain the bad showing of the ship in my game a few weeks ago. I can't think of any reason why the stats should be thus.
It looks like "House Rules" game on to me.
Rob.