Clean install - essential mods query

[Xraybroadcasterfromvenus]

Greetings fellow submariners!


I'm an old SH4 veteran and ran it using a modest but realistic list of mods to get the most out of it.

Now however, I've finally been tempted over to number 5 because of the sheer joy of walking around the sub. (I have been distracted by the brilliant DCS Warthog sim)
I've had a go at a vanilla 1.2 game, but there's a lot of things I've already found irritating. (what's wrong with the Stadimeter? Is it MENT to miss the measurements by 20-30%??)

So I end up here, looking for the mods made by you fabulous people that make these games so much more than they are.
However, there seem to be quite a few out there and it's difficult to pinpoint the barebones fixes from the extra candy. Also, this'd be the point where I should decide if it is worth it- SH4 with mods is pretty much perfect.

So this brings me to my question: What do I need to chuck on there to get all the stock things functional? There's a LOT to catch up on if you haven't stayed up to date with 3 years of mods JSGME is prepped.

-The Stadimeter is the first thing that comes to mind- I mean, if you can't aim properly on manual mode, I'd rather just go back to SH4.

-I've read a lot about the need to install new UI's. Why's that, what does it fix that's broken, what does it add, do I really need it, and what one would I be best getting?

-I've also read about an equipment fix of sorts. What's wrong there, and what one should I get?

-I just noticed airplane pilots seem to be blind.


A big thank you in advance!