I agree with Cavscorpion. It's all about the cruiser role. The cruiser role, and lots of cruiser captains don't seem to get this, is a) hunt down and kill destroyers, b) provide air cover and c) look for targets of opportunity. It is very rash for a cruiser to get into a firefight with a BB unless he is taking fire from another BB. There are exceptions of course the Pensacola and Myoko are very good at burning down BBs from long range.