Thats not a minor difference the m10 has a penetration of 140 at long range the puma 80. the m10 can penetrate nearly all medium armour with a usually success rate of 75% against p4's. the puma has only 50 % chance and dont even bother against e8 or 85's . the m10 can conformable snipe enemy medium tanks from range so it doesnt need smoke its simply lot easier to use without it. even then it gains flanking speed which is a smoke of its own . aimed shot is useful but so is ap rounds.
And 7 cp is moment when tanks start to appear. puma has no use early game. safe to hunt that pesky m20 which shreks will deal with anyway. all in all the m10 is the better medium TD by a long shot. denying that is stupid. also lol saying the flak track is good when the usf track has nearly triple the damage and mobility.
1. The Puma has exactly the same range and doesn't need spotters.
2. Flanking speed is not comparable to smoke. More speed is nice but enenmy units can still hit your M10.
3. The FlaK HT is good. It instantly suppresses and deals huge damage to infantry. The AA HT only deals decent damage with its cannon that can only be used when it's stationary.
The FlaK HT has free smoke and doesn't have to show its rear armor. It's the better one IMO.
The M10 might be better than the Puma in terms of AT power but it is doctrinal and has less survivability. The doctrine itself is also underwhelming IMO.
The Puma is not the only AT vehicle that is available pretty early. If you don't like the Puma you can still go for the JPIV.
Removing shrecks from Volks is possible without changing the Puma.
The Raketenwerfer just needs buffs and Volks need more AI power and Pzfausts.