Well, and their manpower pool was thinned-out a bit too much. They couldn't keep up with the training for having to replace people... But yes, each layer as the game stood a while back, had an ever-increasing level of AI at the campaign file layer, such that a DD associated with a Task Force was generally going to be top-notch, while a DE with a small convoy was generally "competent". As time progressed, their "skill levels" would increase, and you would fiind more and more of higher levels. We had to throw that out the window to "stabilize" the AI. We are currently trying to fine-tune their behavior.
You will also notice traffic pattern changes as the game advances, and near the end of the war, you may have to go in close to the Chinese coast to find targets - of course, you do have to look-out for the minefields... just sayin'...
- they will attempt to get their food and fuel home one way or the other. You might also notice freighters going sky-high with av-gas explosions long about 1945...
