Recognizing flags at night?

I have a couple of questions actually, but my main problem now is recognizing flags at night.

I currently run these mods environment mods:
Thomsen's Water V4
SH3MoonMod
GWX 3.0Gold

First of all, the night is pitch black, and I have no searchlight (that I'm aware of) so identifying flags on ships is impossible at night.
I do have the F12 free cam possibility, but that's kinda cheating and sometimes it's hard to see the flag even when close up in free cam. (yes I have tried it in a frustrated moment.)

So, I wonder if it's possible to adjust the "light" of night without reducing the "cover" effectiveness?

I also wonder about these radio messages I get from GWX, telling me to go to destination XX or telling me to dock at a different location.
I also got a radio message telling me to not attack english warships (late 1939) just after I torpedoed HMS Rodney. (Who can resist 35000 tons eh?)
Does it mean i get a renown penalty or is it just "cosmetic" for a more authentic feel of WWII?

Thanks, Brew.