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I got this idea while watching some WWII documentary which briefly talked about destroyers/cruisers and the variety of roles they had to fill, especially AA. I threw together these rules that we are currently testing out. (and are quite happy with so far)

Protectors:
Escorts are responsible for keeping the ships they are currently protecting safe from a wide variety of threats. To this end they often employ a variety of specialized ammunition and targeting equipment to engage many specialized weapons. To represent this Escorts hit ordinance on a 5 or a 6 and receive a left column shift when firing at ordinance.

This basically has 2 Major effects on the game.

Direct Buff to escorts. Escorts now provide a valuable addition to the fleet that cannot be found elsewhere. Cruisers will still provide the firepower, but escorts are now a major part of keeping said firepower safe from harm until it can unleash a broadside.

Indirect Nerf to Ordinance. Right now, whoever has an the superior ordinance capability usually has a distinct advantage even before the game begins. This will help ensure that fleets can have 0 carriers and still compete. (something you were always supposed to be able to do in the first place) Assuming of course, that you invest in escorts to provide protection.

I am not quite sure yet exactly how the rule will end up, but that is the initial starting point that we are using right now. I'm not yet sure if the column shift is necessary, but testing should quickly tell us what needs to be done.