Among other things, I play DID. At the end of a patrol I reward myself with time in port for about a week or so.During this time I stay away from the game and treat myself to something special.
Once on a type IX boat, there are some exciting patrols chasing after the Freetown convoys, operation Paukenschlag.
The more realism you have, the more exciting will be your patrol.
Due to a move, I've not played SH3 for over a year. Getting a new computer shortly, I'm looking forward to get back into the fray. And, umm, drive people nutz with Balz stories