I had difficulties playing them at first, but it will get better at tier 7, as the concealment and torps are getting better.
T8 onwards I enjoyed their gameplay. They are good cap warriors and good at fire harassment.
My suggestion is, play defensively. The short smoke is for you to retreat, instead of push forward. And I feel it is good at defending friendly bigger ships.
When I start the smoke, I always try to point my ship back and get ready to move away. In addition, you have more smoke charges, so use it, dont save it.