@randomizer
A very interesting read and your patrol very much in touch with BdU's and individual U-boats' war diaries, a very realistic touch
I do hope to get a chance of patrolling with a snorkel -equipped boat myself eventually.
I would try to follow BdU's orders and if I was killed I would probably start a new career from the month the last career ended - to finally see what the last months of the war are like in this game.
Good luck on your patrols!