On the "we need lower spec vessels for anti piracy" argument, 1SL nailed his colours fairly firmly to the mast in a RUSI speech on 9 Sept:
"A frigate or destroyer can be involved in counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean. And it can then switch quickly from this maritime security role, to a high-end role in the choke points of the Gulf, working in very close proximity and partnership with our very many regional allies.
But to benefit from this choice, this ability to switch from low to high end performance, you need to maintain high-end capability, not just in the equipment, but in the practise, and indeed in the mind of the crews. And so a corvette designed for policing duties doesn't just fail this basic test of contingent flexibility.
The crews themselves are in a different mindset. Both Contingency and Sea Choice evaporate.
In the Royal Navy, we cross-connect the use of the entire frigate and destroyer force - and we have to, because of numbers - and to maximise output. In doing so, we move seamlessly from training on operations, to operations. We move from a high end role, to a simpler mission, and back again. And, at all times, high end training is necessary, on the right equipment, to be ready.
We allocate ships to more than one task, by double and triple counting - because we have to. And we work the crews very hard to make this 'ship chemistry' work.
That is why, set against today's tasks, and the sensible demands for contingent choice, we absolutely depend upon having highly capable units.
The real efficiency of highly capable assets is that they can go in harm’s way, and conduct the core of high end tasks, with an appropriate Force Generation cycle in support. This ensures credible, truly versatile and premier league capability."
He has a point. If you're fortunate enough not to be engaged in a hot war but are doing peacetime constabulory stuff, do you equip yourself for that peacetime task or to be prepared for whatever major challenge may emerge next from left of field? A high end unit can always reach down but a low end unit can't reach up.