"Has successful deployment of the Type 45 Destroyers to the Middle East been noted by those who claimed it was a white elephant that would never be used? They have done deployments to the Gulf in their intended role, contributing to the capabilities of coalition naval forces, controlling aircraft flying missions into Afghanistan, or exercising to protect a carrier group, merchant shipping, or a mines countermeasures force against air/missile attack?"
I don't think many people thought they'd never be used - it's just that something half the cost might mean twice as many with much of the capability - as ever we spend 50% of the cost to get that 10% extra capability which is rarely needed