GWX or mouse?

[Winjer]

Been playing for a while, and installed GWX for the first time at the weekend. Some noob questions:

First, wow; hit a hospital ship (accidentally - Bernard slipped while trying to get a banana down and knocked a sausage on the floor, WO tripped on that and kicked the fire button - that's my story, and guilt is for the tribunal to decide) and just seeing it run along at night all lights on is a sight to behold - but when I hit it? Searchlights swooped all around till they had found me, then swivelled back up to highlight the red cross symbol on the side - the level of detail and attention to it is amazing!

But - my ahead 1/3 went down a few knots - to about 6.5 (on VIIB), now I am sure this is partly due to the weather realism as well, but made journeying out and back very very slow - I don't get much time to play as it is and spending an hour sitting there running along at 1024 slowing only to alter crew shifts seems a bit of a waste of time. Loading times are up too (although I could cope with these alone). Will altering max tc to 2048 in SHcommander help me here? Was inclined not to for stability reasons...

Also it is very quiet - I am sure the engine noise is now more realistic, but was a bit eerie at first! So I am thinking that perhaps I will be better off reverting to stock - has anyone else made a similar decision?

Also - VIIB v VIIC, the B is quicker submerged - the payoff being larger flak gun, stronger keel and sea handling right? I do get seasick, but not on my PC :p, weather rarely allows me to use any guns anyways, is the additional keel strength worth the 3000 renown?