If the trader knows what he's doing, he'll def tag you long before you get to where you can get a decent tag. Doesn't matter if YOU can set up an OW tag or not, it matters if THEY can. If it's a tbrig, he'll just keep chaining you with those super accurate stern chasers while you throw rocks at him or do the dance. If's a tcutter or tlynx, he'll def tag you a mile away and laugh while you do the dance.
And nobody but a noob, or someone who really knows the tsnow's advantage would even be in one.
I'm talking about vs players here, not tagging stupid AI.
And you obviously haven't been in the shallows chasing these guys since the speed nerf. I'm talking Bermuda wood, pirate refit, exceptional copper plates, exceptional speed trim, officer perks, on a tbrig. Come up here in your Niagra some time and try to catch some of these uber Admirals in their tbrigs. Since that nerf, they've gotten so cocky, they'll aim straight for you trying to tag you so they get a free trip home. They know you can't catch them. And seeing a Mercury or a Niagra or god forbid a Picke... they'll laugh. Heavy Rattle? LOL. No, just no.