You mean :
Sherman E8 (720)
Sherman w Dozer Blade
Sherman 105?
Comet
T34/85
Panther
Once upon a time, there were a LOT of criticals on tanks.
This was unfavorable for high armor axis tanks - So they were removed for the most part.
Deflection damage was also removed for same reason.
I always thought they got removed because it was too much randomeness and frustating for both sides.
Thanks for letting me know thar devs are axis biased and change balance according to it!