Interesting - didn't realize that about the map movement making a difference on contact. In-game training sessions didn't cover that part.
It doesn't help a lot with the 'single missions', though - I've come to the conclusion that the 'Against the Odds' mission is basically impossible. LOL
I did try switching over to the 1968 period rather than the mid-80s I was more interested in, and have to say - it's a LOOOOOT easier. I mean, my own weapons are ****e of course, but at least the entire enemy fleet isn't constantly banging away with active sonar immediately and no missile-dropped torpedoes to worry about. It feels a lot easier to watch and manage the enemy sensor strength to get a good approach in '68. (And I guess coming from so much time in WW2 sims, "end around to intercept position and fire wide torpedo spread" is second nature enough that it's easy-mode when you've got a nuc powerplant rather than diesel-electric....)