Given your preconceived notions nobody could explain it to you in a way that would change your thinking.
Grant took advantage of the tools available, just like every great military commander does.
You may not have realized that the word "us" does not mean "I."
Explain to BroJoeK how getting 8 ships destroyed was a good idea.
Yes, it would be hard for you to convince me that sending 8 ships into withering fire power that would have sunk them all, was a good idea, but perhaps BroJoeK can understand how this plan is advantageous.