I think relic is run by some bureuacratic maniac. How about they tell us what needs to be done to get a map into the mappool.
My guess:
-Localization. Map description must be made for each language. Considering they supposedly got the grammar for kholodny Ferma wrong they're using google translate.
Optimization. Is it a snow map? Your map is doomed no matter what you do. Don't think it's possible to get worse performance than on lanzerath ambush so no work needed really since that map is in rotation too.
-Balance. Considering Rostov is in rotation it's a moot point.
This exactly. Need I remind you that the Germans had a m2 Browing 50.cal accuracy bulletin?
BTW, the German bulletin for Rifleman and Rear Echelon troops from Ardennes Assault says 'Riflemen cost 10% less'. (should be reinforce 10% faster)
The other two...meh. Optimisation isn't the QA team's fault, and while Rostov is terrible for competitive play, there is something unique about playing on this map.
This might be a terrible analogy, but Yugioh is probably the most pay 2 win, imbalanced, luck-based game in the world. But it's still the most popular card game by sales volume.