With only 80 penetration at range and a range of 40, it can be tough to get them vet in anything above a 2v2. I hadn't noticed the reload, but then didn't use them much anyway.
I did have someone use a couple of them against me in a 1v1. They still die to JP4, raketen and shreks fast. Having someone shoot B4 at Panzer Schwerer can be somewhat worrisome, but, in that game on Semoisky, it didn't actually hit anything.
The reason why the KV1 is good is because of PIV meta. A KV1 can easily beat a PIV due to the KV1 being able to bounce the PIV's shots. Like don't get me wrong the KV1 ain't no game winner by itself but you can call it in numbers at 8 CP and for low DPS tanks like the Panther it can be a real problem.
They are better on more close range maps like Trois Point, but Iv never found the doctrine to be bad at all especially with For Mother Russia + shock troops.
No.
then what do you use to counter static arty spam anymore? Tank rush?
If he is constantly having to move his artillery piece around then he won't be firing it. I mean you already can't guarantee kills against Priests and Katyusha's....
Outside of base sector for FHQ and free area denial, but together with the risks involved or inside base sector, like other armies, still with free benefits, but with no disadvantage?
Deploying your medic truck in the base sector is a great idea if you like having 0 map control and losing the game.