Headscratchers / H.M.S. Pinafore

• Why do the sisters and cousins and aunts of the First Lord side with Ralph, since they have come to the ship to witness Sir Joseph's betrothal to Josephine? They are enthusiastic about Ralph's love for Josephine, and help them in their attempt to steal away. Even if that's acceptable, their appearance during Ralph's attempted suicide and Josephine's acceptance of his love is sudden - it's only their second scene and yet they are already aware of what's going on.
  • Cousin Hebe is in love with Sir Joseph so she has an interest in having Ralph marry Josephine in order to free up Sir Joseph for herself. Presumably she convinces the rest of the sisters, cousins and aunts to go along with this.
• If no one else ever knew that Mrs. Cripps had mixed up the babies, how did she herself ever find out?
  • It's entirely possible that she's making it up in order to allow Ralph to marry Josephine and her to marry the captain.
• Ralph and the Captain were swapped as babies, so they must be about the same age. Therefore Josephine ends up with a man old enough to be her father, and the Captain with the woman who used to be his wet nurse. Anyone else find this a bit weird? Also, shouldn't Ralph and the Captain swap names at the end as well as roles on the ship?