The rate of fire is what keeps the Panther down. The reload speed is crap-tastic. Not worth it versus anything but the heaviest tanks. And even then the StuG does a better job.
Panzer IV has better dps + better anti infantry + a better price + arrives earlier. This is more useful in almost any scenario. And the other scenarios are solved by using StuGs.
Go home Panther, nobody likes you!
