I have noticed people asking for more neutral or environmental entities in the game. I wonder if neutrals can be added where the AI does not recognize them as the enemy. Especially if it would incur another navy from attacking them.
Also, if "some" of those neutrals clandestinely reported the sighting of warships once out of the area. It might not be actionable intelligence, but with time it would show active ports or routes.
For a submarine, a noisy environment might be a blessing, if the TMA personnel are up to it.
Maybe we will make the press!