armor is only usefull when u can get 9inch+ deack on otherwise 0.2 belt and just as many bulge (or bulkhead for bb only rooms) so u dont lose speed

You will appreciate the speed more.  For me I found, get in kill/damage and get out before they realize what happened, worked best.

just go with .2 belt and rest bulge richie is a speedboat, it can go 44knts and can easily rush a lone bb5 from the darkness >:)

.2 belt and rest bulge as to where you dont lose speed.

 

Personally i see Richelieu as a support BB. It doesnt have the range, spread, or damage output to be a full front line ship.