You know, similar thing can be applied to, for example, mobile defense. You almost rolled over enemy but then Puma hits the field to save the day and the game which should be already over, is going to be much longer.
Are you really comparing a light vehicle AT with simcity play? OH Puma won't magically one shot last member of a squad nor it would threat your infantry besides light harassment. I'll rather fight someone who proactively tries to hold the line with combined arms rather than hold the ground and just try to keep their emplacements alive.
Improving pounder performace won't change a thing if pounder is all AT you can get.
One bad postion and it's gone to 222 or Luchs.
Imagine if Ostheer did not have pzfasut on Grens, nor schrecks or PzGrens, nor 222. Just Pak40.
Talking about base Howitzers. Regarding having a proper source of indirect fire if mortar pits would be hidden behind tech instead of the AeC.
As i said, on their own, both can be countered easily. Mortar pits can be pushed by infantry and Bofors can be outdps by indirect fire/AT gun play, been careful between it's barrages.