[2023] Absolutely DISGUSTING restrictions on new clan battles season

This season is a bit of an experiment. Considering last season was quite long and similar in format (7v7, TX, 2 BB), we're looking to see how more extensive restrictions and limits will change up the meta. I think it will be particularly interesting to see how the change in format to 1 BB 3 weeks into the season affects the meta. The maps are also quite different from usual.
Regarding Smaland in particular, banning a ship completely is a difficult choice, but in this case she has historically been one of the most popular DD picks. She fills the competitive DD role a little too well - we'll be watching what effect her restriction has on the meta.

It's not really a matter of "need". Last season was rather long compared to most seasons, and had a pretty consistent meta. The thought process here is that removing the category of BBs which overmatch 30mm armor should promote a different set of lineups than we saw last season, in addition to the format change to 1 BB after 3 weeks. Again, this is essentially an experimental season.

Generally speaking, Kleber and Marceau were popular, but not near Smaland levels, and lineups running more than 2 of them were generally quite rare. Regardless, they are something we will be keeping a close eye on this upcoming season to see if this restriction needs to change. Thunderer, Preussen, and Republique all fall under the 30mm overmatch category, in this case.

If what you describe ends up being the case, it will certainly be a very big change from previous metas :) Large cruiser spam has seldom been a problem in the past because of their relative lack of tankiness vs fires in comparison to BBs. The BBs that don't have 30mm overmatch like Montana are also better BB picks against them, since Stalingrad/PR have decks which are thicker than 30mm; the overmatch just isn't relevant in this case.

Montana was one of the most popular BBs last season at all levels of play despite not overmatching 30mm armor (and being one of the oldest ships in the game). There are definitely reasons to take non-overmatch BBs; they tend to be more consistent in their gunnery and Montana for ex. has a powerful heal.

I've tried to play Elbing a few times in CB personally :D It never ends well unfortunately :(

Elbing guns are so nice! <3