I'm using TMO2.0 with RSRD and don't consider the number of planes a problem at all.
As I've mentioned before, the first thing I do for each mission (I'm currently operating out of Midway) is draw 600mile radius circles centerd on Tokyo and Iwo Jima. This is my tripwire or 'boundary' on my map. I can comfortably TC from Midway to just outside these circles without getting any aircraft bugging me at all. Once inside these ranges however, I pay attention to every radar contact as I am in enemy dominated territory. At a guess I'd say one or two aircraft contacts a day and which I get ready to crash dive but not all of the contacts come my way.
Using TC may give the impression you're constantly under air intercept whereas without TC it would take ages between contacts.
As to the fleet-wide messages indicating convoys or TFs in various locations other than mine. I find those realistic enough. I check my map, if it's not within my power to get there in time then the message is logged and ignored, simple as that. Obviously some other skipper who is closer will react and call in his intentions etc.
