[natmaka]

Sorry bit I wrote "less lethal", not anything about telling from where the shot is coming, muzzle flash, recoil or anything in your answer full of correct statements (especially "nobody who has the option shoots unsuppressed"!).

Compensating (performance-wise) for velocity loss isn't easy, the "kinetic energy vs. momentum" isn't (AFAIK) settled, as every parameter (including projectile frangibility...) plays a role. My experience is limited, however when it comes to penetrating hard material with a metal-piercing round or to obtain a massive cavity (and shock) on a soft target with an frangible/expansive one, I will pick supersonic rather than subsonic-and-massive because there is too wide of a gap, just as (and for similar reasons) I will prefer a long gun to a handgun. A .300 Blackout (supersonic) develops (E0) ~1800J, while the subsonic version only develops ~700, this seems a "massive" difference to me, exhibiting the difficulty. "There is no replacement for (speed of) displacement."

[livueta]

Ah, sorry - I definitely assumed you were operating on a broader definition of lethality than you were and got defensive. I personally agree with the second paragraph as well.