A couple of thoughts:

- By now we all should know CA's stance on realism vs. gameplay = gameplay wins. It is pointless to:
a. disagree
b. point out that realism can be fun too

- Naval battles will be more on the fun side, as opposed to super realistic***, because, well, see above.

Finally, internet poll aside, this baby ships on March 3rd/4th and that is the end of the story.

***Can you imagine the howls of complaints if the Battle of Trafalgar were presented accurately. The Franco-Spanish fleet in disarray with sub standard crews and the absence of a strong breeze? It literally took hours to get the Royal Navy fully engaged. Who really wants that?