Interesting comments. Find smoke a resonable resource when I run outta air in the midst of HH/surfaced SS hysteria. Often gives me just enough air recharge time while running around the edge to get back under and finish off the offender(s) that is/are pouring shells and HH into the middle of the cloud.
Additionaly, if I've been outted by a snitch FF, it gives an advantage on torp deployment to neutralize the speedy little irritation(s), and allows me to manuver into a more advantageous position relative incoming subs. Granted, as a sub, if I'm forced to make the decision to surface, things are not ideal, but it's a tactic available to remain engaged in the battle.
It's a nuance of the game. Suck it up and develop the skills to negate it.
Why all the whining?