Kapudan,
Congratulations on your degree and good luck in Grad School! Your points on the historical importance of the naval race in the pre-WWI years is well-taken.
I have had terrific experiences with Combrig kits, building the HMS Tiger, Iron Duke, Marlborough, and Grosser Kurfurst. They are also very affordable, a prime consideration in today's uncertain economy. I recommend them very highly!
Happy modelling!
Bill Morrison