"New" to SH4, need quick 'n dirty mod advise!

Gentlemen,
I want to give SH4 another shot since SH5 is, to me, a complete disaster, even with mods and SH3 is simply too outdated.
I'd like to know what (super) mod is the most current/complete, best working/reliable and authentic one, since downloading and testing them all would simply take me too long.

On top, I'd also like to know the same for the German side, so U-Boats.
Is Operation Monsun still the only option?
Last time I had something to do with SH4 was... years ago, which is why I rather ask those with experience to save myself some time and energy.

Regards!