Subs guarding minefields seem too effective against MSW

[Mike_B20]

In a PBEM I'm playing my opponent is picking off MSW at a high rate.
He has mined Wunpunko (my base) heavily and parked subs in the hex.
Recently I sent two large(approx 15-20 ships) fast transports mssions in consecutive turns to the base, one accompanied by an MSW and the other by a DMS. The minesweepers were embedded in the fast transpot taskforces.
In both missions the sub (previously detected ) picked off the minesweepers, ignoring the other ships.

The incidence of picking off escorting MSW's seems a tad high and the success of the subs also seems too high.

Both sub intercepts occurred at night.
Wouldn't a sub, previously detected, operating in shallow water, at an enemy base, on the surface at night, manouvering in or around a minefield, be at a disadvantage in ambushing successfully a large destroyer taskforce.
I don't agree with the view that the MSW are operating independantly from the taskforce in clearing mines and are therefore easy prey.
Heck, the minesweeper only cleared a mine or two (one of the APD's cleared two).

Anyway, it just seemed a little wacko.

[Damien Thorn]

Well, from a gamer's point of view it makes perfect sense that the sub attacks the minesweeper. Since he minesweeper is the most important unit in a tast force that transitions a mined hex it is natural for the sub to target it. If I were the sub captaion I would do the same thing.

Also, miesweepers are usually sloer than combat vessels. DMS are not, butthen again, I don't think they should be allowed in fast task forces anyway. There is no way they could sweep mines ifthe task force is moving as fast as the DMS could move.

[Mike_B20]

Potentially, it is a game killer...as there is a limited supply of MSW in UV and the tactic is very effective.

[mogami]

Hi, Well if you know the sub is there, and they are effective at sinking you minesweepers, why not send in a few SC/PG/DD first? (they also can clear mines and are not so valuable. They are also good sub killers.
Place a few bomber groups on ASW while you are hunting the sub.
I've found IJN subs sheldom survive if they remain in a hex after detection.

[Mike_B20]

Yes, I know there are workarounds but I am posting to highlight what I consider a problem in the game. I'm not posting in search of a quick fix.
Besides, I really don't like the idea of sending ships into known minefields without a minesweeper.

True, the subs are vulnerable to damage after they strike. In the example I outlined, the first sub was damaged and the second sunk, but the game is entering a stage where MSW are worth their weight in gold.

Subs just seem too effective in guarding minefields at enemy bases( if the sub owner dosen't mind a straight swap...subs for minesweepers).