John's original plan was to have the Palgrost Armada lure the Liguritudum Armada out of the Blackmaw Strait. Once they did, the combined fleet from Themisphere and Verremor would hit the Liguritudum armada from the rear. Palgrost armada would then turn back and strike the Liguritudum armada. Pinned in the middle, they should make short work of the Liguritudum Armada without losing too many ships.
But as in any war, John knew that things did not always go as planned. Situations changed, so they had to adjust to the situation.
In their current situation, they still had the enemies pinned in the middle. It was not an ideal setup, though. Palgrost Armada was placed in an enclosed position and hence couldn't put up much resistance, but they still fought back and caused the Liguritudum Armada difficulties in dealing with the newly arrived fleet.