[John Pancoast]

!944-5 pretty much as you say more or less. I've never found 1943 to be overly difficult though, still get lots of tonnage via a convoy contact.

It just may take a few contacts for it to happen. I.e, that convoy is unapproachable, next one isn't, etc.

Not addressing your post, but imo a lot of the "this <insert mod name here> AI is to tough !" statements are from folks not applying realistic tactics.
I.e., pushing an attack when they shouldn't, etc.