I would think sinking means they've absorbed the pickling liquid? Maybe crack open one jar and try it? For her cucumber pickle recipe that I use, she says wait a week before eating, but I find they're best after three.

Also, have you tried lacto-fermentation pickles? Brine pickles taste totally different from vinegar pickles. Maybe it's the particular pickling liquid you don't like. Or maybe it's just dill, which I find to be a very strong taste. Must wash off all dill seeds before eating pickle spear!