I am glad so far most that have chimed in have not disliked my proposal. I think it is worth mentioning that for subs and other ships with tubes, the rules wouldn't change (much, if at all). An I-401 could still fire eight bow shots in a salvo (or X number at a time). You would still have the re-load rules, etc...
Yes, a Kitikani or Oi would still be dangerous, but given the practical limits with scale and safety concerns I think they are only as dangerous if they had been used as designed (Toerpedo cruiser config--running into an enemy formation at night and firing salvos). In reality, like PT boats and subs, torpedo cruisers' main armament were torpedoes. Granted, torpedo hit rates were very low, however gunnery hit rates in real life were much lower than our hobby due to range.
My idea is far from complete in regards to tubes below the waterline. It specifically deals with "launchers". Actually, it might be a good idea to limit all underwater tubes to rods or the tube with ball bearing nose that some of the big gun clubs used back in the day. I have given VERY LITTLE THOUGHT to tubes, so take this paragraph with a lump of salt. For the past month or so I have been thinking why not limit all torps to rods, but there are practicallity concerns unless you change scale.
I really don't want to open a can of worms on this one, but since there has been so much discussion on this subject, the local group is trying a mish-mash of the previously discussed rules, MBG, and WWCC rules in different boats. We want to perform a live-fire R&D: see what works and what doesn't. If I could come up with a way to get a historically accurate low hit rate, with high damage potential, I would jump on it. IMHO, it would make torpedoes the "wild-card" they were in era combat.
Speaking of worms, I see a can labeled depth-charges in the sub pantry. Does anyone have an old army issue p51 on their keychain?
