In the last patch cycle, the Balance Team floated the idea of putting the Jagdpanzer IV, Flame Hetzer and Ostwind in the SPHQ at the same timing as Obersoldaten: before the Panzer Authorisation upgrade. This didn't happen in the live release, making the SPHQ split pretty much just a timing buff for Obersoldaten.
When the split was initially proposed several months ago, the split was intended to be JPIV and Obers before, then P4s and P5s after the upgrade.
This is an undeniable buff to the OKW faction, but it has a number of internal benefits to the teching structure:
- The JPIV's role is further distinguished from the Panther by having a different timing window.
- The Battlegroup build becomes more viable as it gets an AT vehicle 60 FU earlier.
- If OKW loses the SPHQ, rebuilding half of it and calling in Jagdpanzers is a viable option. Currently the most cost effective option is stalling for the KT.
I also think the Flame Hetzer being pre-Authorisation would be a neat buff to the off-meta Feuersturm doctrine, and its lack of any AT capability means it can be countered with light vehicles available in its timing window.
The Ostwind, in my view, should stay requiring Panzer Authorisation because of its ability to kill AT lights.