@calvinhobbesliker:
Well, most of the time, Germany still has 2-3 subs left. A smart German player will build a sub in the Baltic to stop the UK NO. However, DD’s are the cheapest defense for a fleet except carriers.
In my experience, G1 typically leaves 1 or 2 subs, as Germany is forced to take hits on them. And yes, I agree that building one for the Baltic is smart. But there is really no way to get to it until late in the game.
My only argument against buying them is that England, again in my experience, does not need defense on the seas. I mean, they do, but the German player does not typically attack the British ships after G2 because it becomes a waste of their air force. In which case, cruisers or battleships are better for thier bombardment capability AND their defense capability. And you are right that carriers even more superior in fleet defense… all the more reason to buy one of those instead.
I guess this is just my personal strategy. I never buy large numbers of destroyers, and I only buy them singly when I see a direct sub hunting need for them.