Enemy ships getting stronger?

[Eliza Creststeel]

The original point was that some enemies have gotten more aggressive, not that any of us are bad sailors, Thunder.

What I've encountered:

The French and Spanish ships are now using Explosive rounds, they weren't before.
Death Omen and Harbinger are firing their Fury broadsides at a fast rate of recharge.
Corsairs and Predators often hit with Explosive and no effects register while in combat.
Behemoths and Colossus firing Explosives more often

Not to say I got plowed, just surprised by the increase. And honestly I like to see it to add to any challenge.