General overview
I don't like submarines. I think their game play is boring, the counter-play takes far too much time and focus than it should though at least there is some, and the pinging mechanic is a toxic feature. That being said I do like the direction these improvements are heading.
What I liked
sonar ping effect above submarine - the effect above submarine made it easier to hit providing you get lucky with the spawn distance of the effect. It was more consistent than the ping tracer.
Removing conventional torpedos usage at depths - these torpedos didn't have much of an impact on sub vs sub combat so having them disabled at depths is a QoL improvement for players learning how to play submarines.
What I disliked
Removal of ping tracer - The ping tracer was useful for getting the bearing on a submarine before they hit you with a ping (if they missed their first one) allowing you to start the lengthy counter-play sooner than you can now. Now you have to wait for a submarine to hit your ship with a ping before you can start to counter them. It was an unnecessary buff to submarines.
Suggestions
Ping tracer - Bring it back, the counter play is already tedious and allowing submarines a basically guaranteed initial ping before you can start dealing with them is going to be frustrating for the player against submarines and giving subs an unnecessary buff. Since they also have the effect above their ship, the range around your ship that the ping is visible could be reduced to 1-3km so it can only be used as a bearing to the sub to more easily find the effect on the surface above the sub.
Battery depletion - If it's effect was negligible, it should have been buffed not removed. Having this removed stops submarines from being more heavily punished if they get spotted by hydro at max depth cause they can just wait it out or escape. If it was still a feature, subs would have to be more cautious approaching ships that can spot it at depths and reduce their currently very aggressive play style.
