I also think that this ability is very, very good. A small nerf is in order for me. When supporting an attack it is just so efficient in finishing tanks that have already been hit 1-2 times. Even in a failed attack it allows you to secure a kill or two, especially if your opponent needs to micro his infantry as well.
When playing with friends in 2v2 and 3v3 as Allies, one of us almost always picks it, and I rarely saw it as a mistake.
Anecdotal:
I also remember playing against a 3v3 team that always comboed AT overwatch, USF's P47 loiter and the (pre nerf) UKF early warning flares across the whole frontline. It was a huge investment, but it basically always deleted a couple of tanks and forced us to abandon the front line almost completely.
So Did you considered about zeroing too? It is same type but more effective to multiple target in the area include infantry while ATOW shared its shell to multiple target with targeting only a tank(more target = less effective).
May you also considered about okw sector assualt combined with zeroing too? that wiped entire tank and infantry or forced to retreat?.
and german defensive arty that provided cover to all friendly sector with off map arty that can bombard all target/area in same time while similar skill like primitive overwatch that fire from UKF base arty so it can only provided cover to 1 area in same time and need to wait for it aimming before barrage begin.
There used to have a reason of nerf something because It powerful when combined with other ability without considered other perspective such as it will become worthless when use it alone without combined with other.
as you seen in this video.
A lot of shot was bourced off.
A lot of shot was misses.