Or is there a deadline and we end up with a half assed patch that doesn´t even adress all issues?
Winter patch is already turning into a spring patch. This can only mean the patch should be so polished that we're going to need sunglasses so it doesen't shine our eyes out.
Panther has decent statistics, but is really let down by it missing sometimes up to 5 shots in a row. When it misses, it doesen't do damage --> it doesen't get veterancy. This tank really got forgotten years ago when they nerfed blitz. Nowadays we have things like the Comet, that annihilates infantry at long range and is very consistent against enemy tanks aswell. And it comes with emergency war speed that has no extra use-cost and white phosphorous which, when you actually get it to work, will most likely decrew team weapons. Going for a panther is a fuel and munition sink. You can get one if you like, but it's in a very bad spot against british, and sometimes even USF. You're much better off getting your AT from a different source as Panther doesen't come early enough for those light vehicles(though these are going to be nerfed) and you need some sort of tank against infantry aswell.
As stated by many above, just give it better accuracy. I would be more than happy with it's current damage and penetration if it would actually make the enemy think twice about facing a vet0 panther.