I have always had good results with them.

They have the hull strength of a fifth or sixth rate and damage of a much larger ship. They do run circles around the enemy in most cases. Still they are not third rates and should not be used the same way.

Disable the enemy before closing the same as you would with a frigate.

If you lost any then I guess some of those trade ships were galleons. No Indiaman is bringing down a steamship unless you are just cursed at sea…

And I have never noticed a range differnce.