an easy way to notice when a teammate dies is if their icon turns gray, I say if they're killed by someone with a silence skill the icon should stay colored ^_^
I don't think many people would notice if it disappeared instantly. I would like the silence skill to also remove your footsteps. might be a nice addition.
i think footsteps should stay, or if you really want them gone make it part of hide skill. having silenced weapons effect your foot steps is just kinda... odd
to hide you need to be ducked anyway, and that represent's that you're 'hiding'. the stealth skill is what (should) make you silent and stealthy.
I always thought that if you had hide and silence you should be able to disguise yourself as the enemy. That or do it enemy-territory style where you steal dead soldier clothes.