the Johnston DD took off after the Center Force cruisers before getting the order to do so...similarly, the Roberts' CO.
If I read correctly, a) the Japanese really had Halsey figured out...b) but at the same time, Nimitz 'fed' his aggressiveness with the "OK" to take on any serious threat he might see coming (i.e. the Decoy Northern Force)...also,c) Kurita could be excused given the loses he had already suffered...his fatigue from being up 72 hours straight, and the threat potential of Kincaid coming up to meet him...plus no air cover.
I wonder what sorts of scenarios are taught/tested in today's War College...
btw, I had never heard about the different colored dyes in Japanese shells before...I'm pretty sure they weren't for playing "Paint Ball".
Thanks for recommending the book...well worth the time spent.