A1) If periscope depth does not use battery then there is almost no reason to be on the surface. This is a game mechanic choice and is unlikely to change.
A2) This is already done. Submarine detection is lower when you are at periscope depth and then lower still when at maximum.
B) There are only 3 depths that change mechanics: Surface, Periscope, and Max. While you can cruise at different numbers, those 3 sections are what matter to keep it simple enough.
C) This is not true. Submarines at maximum depth can only be spotted by other submarines or Hydroacoustic search at 2km. Airplanes cannot spot submarines at maximum depth.
Here is a link to the devblog containing submarine information: https://blog.worldofwarships.com/blog/279