That is a good recommendation, but i believe the root of the problem is in the team.  A battle should last longer than 5 minutes.

There are two problems if a battle doesn't last longer than 5 mins:

1- mismatch and a horrible split

2- poor team communication/jobskill

and so, for what we can affect:

I would say, the losing team should try not to suck as much. 

HELPFUL TIPS: (not related to you specifically)

1) Populate the south (bottom) with battle ships & at least one bb5 north

2) don't clutter the battleship line with the little ships

3) Little ships shoot little ships. CL/CA/BB1-3 shoot the little ships that come over inside bb range.  BB 4-6 are busy sinking BB 4-6's

4) Communicate when you see somthing that will change the tide of war

       a) such as losing north/south

       b) a bb rush

       c) a sub raping everyone

       d) a battle ship that is about to kill one of your bb's

-my 2 cents

The trouble is that some players just keep on shooting even if their team is sending messages telling them to wait.

Is the last enemy ship retreats before the 5 minute mark then the whole battle is for nothing as far as the event is concerned.