i think the wrong ships are locked behind permits, say the Cherubim frigate was the only 5th rate that didnt need a permit, we would see alot more frigate gameplay atleast from other ships such as essex, belle poule, pirate frigate etc. But when you have the trincomalee, WITH NO DOUBT the third best 5th rate (behind endymion and diana) available for no permit you would be stupid to craft an inferior ship for such a small difference.
Of course it would be hard to balance it out now since we have a dlc 4th rate, 3rd rate and 1st rate, but it would help alot imo to bring some varieties