But it might just show how hermetic the game has become to new players. Maybe too many things are counterintuitive. Once you get used to them you take them for granted, but initially they are frustrating.
No truer point has been spoken. I have played all relics games since DOWII. I am a fan, so I learn and play. I tried to get my friends into my favourite RTS. They refuse to play COH2, due to how unintuitive it is to the average player who like the WWII setting, yet doesn't have a degree in history (Ie, they expect Axis to be quality vs the allies quantity.
They seem to think that soviets have the numbers advantage, yet also have more elite troops and superior armour, when they ask what their advantage is, all I reply is "cleverness and combined arms".
"what range do I beat riflemen?"
You don't. Outnumber them or rifle grenade.
"as Germany?"
Yes.
"Do I beat conscripts with grenadiers?"
Only if you're in green cover and they advance and fire across open ground.
As axis, you can only wait for your opponent to make mistakes, its much harder to take the initiative.