The switch to 3rd was marvelous move for only one reason. So many people thought the ship is an actual 3rd rate and went and fought the big boys with it. They all got capped because they have less crew than a rattsvan! Or simply got destroyed. This increased the rarity and keeps them rare. Somebody mentioned that the only logical in game context reason for them to be moved back to 4th is because of mission requirements as they are now excluded from a lot of things. I think this is a reasonable justification. Perhaps as more 3rd rates come in down the line, they will take them back to 4th
The cons/uss can be put into rate 1 but it will still essentially be good for one thing, and that is a 14.5+kn build to bully the other frigates, especially in groups. Therefore getting hung up what rate it is classified as is immaterial. Unless the stats change, it is just a play of words and it will not affect its gameplay. In reality, a good player in a good trinc can outplay it without much difficulty. The const has a very cowardly playstyle, despite her real life history, it demands very cautious in game play. Speaking of real life , it is dear to many people as it is still part of an actual navy and one can go touch it in boston. For that alone it will always be a desired item even if it is not able to compete with wasas bellonas and what not. Not to mention, it just looks totally amazing. I am perfectly ok with it not being able to take on wasas. Sometimes you just want a ship because it is pretty. And frigates are pretty! Ships of the line, not really. They look like barns with cannons