Artillery was in its infancy where it belonged.
No it wasn't. If you complain about the actual changes, it seems you don't remember seeing Joint Operation been part of the meta on 2v2.
See the changelog:
These changes reduce the viability of artillery saturation on the opposing player’s base. Additionally, howitzers should feel more organic with the changes to reload.
105mm Howitzer
Reload time from 2.75 to 2.25-2.75
Shots fired per barrage from 12 to 6
Crew size from 3 to 4
Shots fired per barrage from 8 to 4
Reload time from 3 to 2.8-3.2
Barrage recharge time from 120s to 90s
Crew size from 3 to 4
Health from 350 to 400
Salvos increased from 4 to 8
Removed precision strike at veterancy 1
Veterancy 1 now increases the number of salvos of the ML 20 by 2 (10 Total)
Salvos increased from 6 to 10