Welcome aboard.
I just uninstalled SH4 for the second time, prefer SH3 with GWX. Although part of my dislike for SH4 is, I have to play it on lowest settings due to my computer, which prevents me from trying the mods.
Edit: And yeah GWX3.0 makes the load time long for SH3, but its well worth it. GWX3.0 takes longer to load than Stock SH4.
As Steve said, SH3Commander, and JGSME are both needed to get the most out of SH3.
I have the following mods/programs
GWX3.0
SH3Commander
JGSME
16km Atmosphere mod (greatly improves the seeing distance in the game)
No medals on crew
Contact color (GWX makes every map contact Black, this brings color back to the map contacts)
Enhanced Damage Effects
I also have 200ish gramophone tracks
And a pinup mod(which I need to install)
A bit off topic, but if you love strategy games and WWII games I'd suggest giving Pacifc Storm:Allies a try. You can find a demo online.