I think the main mission for the patrol is over-rated in importance. It's just something to do while you're doing other things and is not a goal in itself exclusive to enjoying the rest of the game's potential. The most unfortunate aspect is there are few missions, so even a randomizer that has only two options is going to give you one mission 50% of the time. Even if there were 100 missions, you will get the same mission twice in a row once in a while.
With that in mind, I reserve fuel and weapons for the main mission, get it over with, and if I don't get any more specific directives (though I often do) I'm then free to use the remaining fuel and weapons to whup on stuff and junk on my way home for a refit.
taking the risk of suggesting another positive aspect, the shallow spy and supply missions are among the most difficult and when accomplished will build up your crew and your own personal skill rapidly not to mention the uniquely Pacific War aspect of shallow water warfare.
-Pv-
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