I've never used the Guam myself, but I've seen it as one of the most popular BB1s for use with a high level crew, because of that combat profile you outlined.

I think most people hate it because at level it is generally pretty bad, relying on OH time that isn't normally very well developed and not having the usual BB1 durability of the fat/slow BB1s. Not that they are very durable anyway, but talking relatively it's pretty soft. Might even be the worst of it's level tbh. But I agree, like you said, that's what makes it great, that lacking durability gives it awesome other strengths.

I hope it is quite a good at-level BB1, but I've never used it so I'm actually not sure what level it really comes into its own.

PPro2 is the best bb1. ;)

It's not even the best US BB1.

I have Guam; I disagree. Guam/Alaska is pretty miserable.
Big size designed to get hit. Gun short range, long hang time--hard to aim, hull is fragile.
You say high speed= good dodging? Why don't you try the pocket RM BB1 Ammiraglio di St.Bonn (This should be the best BB1, tight rank with Courbet).. Small size contributes to dodging more effectively than speed.

Also not to mention that at low level, your guns are not accurate. When I bring Guam to GB, I can't hit anything just because low level gunner makes the spread so bad.

True, Guam/Alaska class was designed as big heavy cruiser historically. I'll rank it the #2 best CA--only PCA Mandel is even better. However only if you have higher level BVE gunner.

I can't say whether Guam is best BB1, but from my experience of playing US and UK BB1s, it is my favorite to play.

It might not be the best in BB1 vs. BB1 fight, but in a GB where any BB1 will be outranged anyway, being able to go 45 knots is a great asset.

It allows me to get away from higher level bbs easily, and it lets me get in range quickly and get some attack.

I've played both Guam and Tenn41 with a high level crew, and I feel "safer" and more useful in my Guam than I would ever feel in a Tenn41. Sure, I'm outrange and outgun, but my speed allows me to stay back most of the time and wait for right moment to rush and get some attack. With the Tenn41, I'm still outrange and staying back, but I cannot easily move in to engage enemy if opportunity arises. Worse, if I'm being engage by higher level BB, I cannot run away in a Tenn, I have to rush and hope to get in range before getting killed, but that is hard considering most high level BBs are faster than me. So Guam is better in the sense that you are not both out ranged and out speed. You can at least run away.

Not to mention AA, if you can't be useful as a real battleship, at least you can AA to help your team. Not many BB1s can do that.

Nevada, Corbet and the other MN bb1 or Scarnhorst

Imo Revenge and Kongo are tied for best BB1, but Guam is definetly up there.

ignoring new nations.  w at lvl crew the p pro is best due.to its range and aa ability.  w high lvl crew i prefer the.revenge for irts damage output.  guam was good years ago when it could run 16 inch duals, but its a pos now due to its being us.... you know... weak.

The guam with the triple 14" guns is a fun ship to play, just sayin.  also best bb1 overall that i have played was the courbet, least as a gunship that ship can bring some pain!