Dear rmasmaster,
To use the Hood as an example is unfair in the case of Titanic.
Titanic's plans exist for all to see - likewise Hoods. In the case of Titanic, the bulkhead situation is plain to see. The plans show much in contrast to current marine engineering, however, the principals remain the same - except for the flaws in the principal of an 'unsinkable' vessel (we must not forget that numerous warships were proported to be the same - British and Japanese... and they were sunk). As you say, the bulkheads allowed overflow... this should not have happened. As far as the bulkheads and what the builders said, they however did not forsee such a cataclismic accident (rightly or wrongly) - that she would hit something as massive as she did and in such a way. Yes a bump hear and there, or indeed a 'normal' collision, but not such a heavy 'side-swipe' that involved the bulk of her deadweight.
This subject will not go on forever for four reasons (the loss of the vessel is irrelevant in comparison to the lives lost - whilst the loss of the vessel is major, I consider the loss of life paramount above all else). Firstly, the extensive loss of life was solely due to the lack of lifeboats: Secondly, due to bulkhead design the sinking speed was considerably enhanced: Thirdly, due to the strange circumstances, the vessel 'close by' did 'not see'. Forthly: had the bulkheads been sufficient, she """Might""" have survived. The latter is the key question. Yes, there was a bunker fire, yes this could well have played a part in a possible gas explosion, but again, if bulkheads had been sufficent, this would have been of little consequence in a vessel of such size. However...........
The Hood - whilst an unfair comparison to Titanic - was a very massive loss at a very vital time of WW2 for Britain, it is considered it was a 'magazine problem'... some of which originated from 'slight difficulties' experienced at Jutland. From first hand evidence from the few survivors, the midships section blew up 'silently' in a flare of flame, and this can only be interpreted by a direct hit/Cordite flash-over to one of the main HE/shell magazines - which, by it's magnitude of detonation, triggered in series other magazines. Explosives - and their history - which I am a little familiar with - plays a major part in this, and the sympatetic linear wave detonation, combined with possible security short falls (old design principals, and possible lack of procedure), may well have played a part. However, whatever be the case, a catastrophic hit at the right place, with the right timing, made sure that this poor ship and 99% of her unfortunate crew sadly blew up - don't forget Jutland.
So, both in the same vein, a considerable unnecessary loss of life... nought else matters. With respect to those who died, I feel this subject heading should also.Technicalities are one thing, but when they involve such massive loss of life it's another, and all should be better left to rest in peace - rightly or wrongly.
Regards, Bernard