role of different ship classes

[playedabit]

I have a question about how different ship classes are handled.

In certain other games ship class usually imposes limitations to hull size, number of components, weapon caliber, etc. In DW I see no such thing, so if I'd create a huge destroyer and a small capital ship with the same components I'd basically end up with identical speed / strenth parameters, wouldn't I? So does anything make one class different from another regardless of components included?

I've got the impression that escorts and frigates are handled as escort/patrol ships if automated. Anything else about the other ships? What impact would it have to have 3 differently sized capital ship designs (however pointless this sounds) in place of the destroyer/cruiser/capital ship trio?

[Hyfrydle]

Good question I would also be interested in finding out how this affects the game.