Renown vs. Reality

[Tessa]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

The major factor in real life was actually renown, just not like it is in the game. I think game renown would work perfectly if it was hidden, i.e. you don't know how much you have or how much you need; you only know that every now and then you get offered stuff.

While all the above mentioned (and previous posts) facts are true, there is one aspect (albeit grim) that would have been taken into consideration. In the late years of the war if you had a Kaleun that had successfully completed 10 or 12 patrols with decent tonnage and stayed alive that alone was a indication of either skill or incredible luck. With the fatality rate of sailors being 75% someone that could reliably still complete their patrols would be a prime candidate as well.

One aspect that's always made me scratch my head is why theh VIIC/41's didn't enter service earlier; they were physically available mid 1943. I can see how extended training on the XXI's would've been needed as they were so different, but for the VIIC/41's the time from physical availabilty and training to combat patrol readiness has always felt like it was way too long.