Okay ... so I'm a tad confused by the current 1st Rates basically get around 7 chits for a broadside, and a 3rd rate can also get 7, or at least 6.

Shouldn't a 1st Rate have considerably more firepower?

I'm a tad confused how close the 3rd are to the 1sts not only in FP but also hull; it basically defines a 1st rate as being "slightly tougher to take out," but that's it. And I'm not sure how they're going to squeeze in 2nd rates, because there doesn't seem to be room (stat wise) between the 1's and 3's.

Am I on crack?