The gun and cannon. If damaged will stay damaged if the crew stationed at it are injured. Just my experience. Plus if the cannon is damaged it is still be used. That is a problem.
I have never experience the all fixed, submerge to peri depth and keep on sinking. Then again, I do not throw myself in harms way. And if bady damaged usually go to home port. So I can not really say the refit problem has been experienced by me.
Medals??? I'm getting these boys.....well use your imagination here and I will need to shell out a few bucks for it also