I must say I'm glad the flags are bigger in SH4! Maybe not realistically sized but at least you can see what nationality ships are before getting too close.
As you say, with less sinkings the one's we get will feel all the more satisfying.. and it will make the top aces board look a bit more balanced.. in fact, at this rate, rather than being top ace all the time, I doubt I'll even see my name mentioned!