Vain

I would also presume that the addition of this mechanic would make the presumably unintended, but opposite true as well. If a small ship can grapple a large at speed, physically the opposite should be true as well. If the reasoning being is that a lighter ship is easier to pull against a larger ship, it goes both ways. A large ship would be able to board a small ship at speed for the same reason, and I think this would defeat the purpose of this (small ship balancing) mechanic you propose. It might physically make more sense, but it doesn't enhance the game play for either side. It just makes both ships more vulnerable to trolling depending on who decides to utilize it to their advantage.

To the esteemed WIS Officers, While it is true that I have been in communication with some of the fine officers serving under the crown in this fine squadron. It is my wish and with great joy that I formally pledge my allegiance and service to the crown under a commission sailing for the West Indies Squadron. I only hope that in my command I conduct myself in a chivalrous and manly manner befitting of my nation and my station. Fair Winds and Happy Hunting!

Duel to defend ones honor? As in Mr Midshipman Hornblower? Lets be RP about this. In all seriousness, a duel mechanic would be AWESOME.

While I am unsure as to whether this is the place to propose this, but I think if the mechanic of the crew was more dynamic that would add a lot to flexibility of play styles. For instance, if crew cost you money to hire or maintain. Obviously the complexity to the crew mechanic is endless, but I think adding some way to decide how to crew your ship apart from just a cap would be beneficial. Lends well to crew XP additions as well as specializations. Adds importance to keeping crew alive, or sending them into a meat grinder if you have the cash to hire more etc. Maybe keep XP as a passive bonus for Crew XP gains? Or affecting morale etc. Lots of shooting/boarding/maneuvering gets experience in those areas. Maybe too much complexity, just a system rewarding you for the things you do. A crew that grows and learns with you. Maybe this has been proposed somewhere. Just a thought.

.