I think we underestimated three things Dave.

Taking on three Frigates even with a 44 and another Frigate did not account for the facts that three ships means you have to divide your shot. Also one is always in a position to move freely to rake you whilst you are engaging its partner. The fact that Simon was in command of all three ships meant that he could coordinate his attack, whilst Chris and I had to guess at what each other would do. You can't take that sort of risk with a Captain of Simon's caliber, and expect to get away with it. I feel that even a 32 would have swung the result in our favour.
That said Simon played a masterful game, as the photographs display, or not if you can't see them.
Rob.