As I have seen it explained, the idea of TMO was not to create a realistic simulation of the conditions in 1941 or any other time during the war. The goal was to simulate the tension and sense of risk. To paraphrase Ducimus, to make you think like a submarine captain. Here are some of Ducimus' own words:
"...stated goals are to make the pacific theater immersive and engaging to the player. Historical accuracy and realism (sometimes achieved by abstract means) is adhered to as much as possible, but some elements are taken with creative license in order to achieve its stated goals. Trigger Maru is also targeted for the "seasoned" submarine simulation fan, and some elements have been made harder in order to present a higher level of challenge then that provided the stock game, while at the same time, reducing some elements of the game that one may find annoying.
Trigger Maru also recognizes that "harder" is not necessarily "realistic", and stands in solidarity with the Real Fleet Boat "supermod" in this regard. If your looking for 100% historical accuracy without creative license, the author of Trigger Maru heartily recommends Real Fleet Boat."
If you want to be able to duplicate what you read in the history books, TMO won't work for you. The actual conditions in the early war months aren't like those in TMO. The argument is (and I admit I am putting words in other people's mouths) that the real sub skippers didn't know what the conditions would be at that point in the war. If they appear timid in hindsight, they didn't know what they would encounter. It's easier to be Mush Morton when you know in advance that you will be able to sink that charging destroyer in time.
Ducimus and those who enjoy TMO certainly have a valid point here. Personally, I have tried TMO and don't play it. I prefer RFB, exactly for the reason stated in the last sentence of Ducimus' quote above. At the same time, I understand what Ducimus set out to do. What's right for you is a matter of personal taste. As they say, YMMV.
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