Yeah if only we didnt have excamples where is fails to wipe weapon crews when they are not perfectly in the center.
What does this have to do with hit and run tactics?
This is a question of the AoE profile, not of the tactics how to use a unit
Again tunnel vision. While its faster then AVRE it takes it almost x2 time to reach maximum speed and rotate.
Longer range is only an aurgument when you are ambushing something. In offence this longer range wont change much, since against someone who is paying attention you need to take into consideration delay before the shot. So in general you want to move close at about same 30-35 to make a somewhat effective shot.
Rotation should not matter when attacking, the slow rotation rate is there to make it more vulnerable to flanks. Your ST is already perfectly aligned with it's target before you drive in.
And also you should take a max range shot if possible. Scatter is almost non existent with both units, so going closer does not help too much. The further you move in, the more clear it becomes to your opponent what you are going to target. Max range shots help by reducing the time that your opponent has to react in this case. If he only has 1 second or 2 before you issue the shooting command, then you bring the whole delay down to ~5 seconds (1-2 second popping in of ST, 3 second shot delay, maybe a second flight time). If you close in you will lose >2 seconds just by driving, but gain only maybe half a second projectile flight time. You also expose yourself more and spend more time in repairs.
I agree that the ST could use a minor buff, in my eyes as already stated a defensive one, but I also think that you are using the unit wrong judging by what you have written.