I think heavies should be slowed down in terms of when they arrive in the game, rather than physically.
100% Agree
KT is actually very balanced because you have to tech and it comes either very late or as a consequence of extreme map dominance. You cannot "hold out" for a KT.
True, but i think it is a little too strong. If you do not have IS2, T34/85 with marked target you are generally F*****. Usf seems to require opponent to overextend to kill. I see many players prepare for KT and just loose due to bad luck or bad rng. I once had a game where 3 at guns fired a total of 9 shots at a KT without him moving and I did about 30% damage max.
This is not true for Soviet/OST heavy tanks with whole doctrines designed around avoiding teching beyond T2 (Mechanized Assault and Shock Rifle being prime examples).
The problem is when one opponent goes for heavies then the other player almost has to follow suit or the chances of winning are reduced. There really is no downside to going for heavy tank. Many better players will experiment with mediums/at guns/ at skill planes but most people want the easy win so will take the path of least resistance.
I think the long term solution to this issue is to tie all call-ins to tech, thereby extending the midgame and forcing players to actually transition from medium tanks to late-game super heavies rather than skipping the mediums altogether.
I would like to see some kind of downside for heavies. Teching should be required but if they still want to largely skip mediums then ok, but work it in a way that going multiple mediums has its own advantages. Tiger Ace is a good example of a heavy having some kind of downside ( note i am not saying Ace is totally balanced ).
Blitz is a real design failure, and really should be associated with allies as they should be flanking factions. Axis should have smoke as vet1 ability instead.
The rear armour on heavies should be reduced to reward flanking and punish someone who overextends, but also to punish poor micro. If someone doesn't micro a heavy properly to the extent that the heavy tank has it arse facing their opponent then the deserve some punishment.
Whatever changes are made should be done in the hope of opening up the game to various playstyles because as things stand atm it is a very linear game, which when you consider how many units and commanders are available is surprising..........