How come you say that? We got a handbrake mode for AA halftracks and it's apparently possible to implement a manual reload command since I think blitzkrieg/spearhead has it and certain abilities like AP rounds force reloads on mgs.
MrSmith implemented such a key in a balance mod... the one which got canceled if you remember. I have no idea however why this mechanic got dismissed after that
I think it would be an amazing QoL improvement if all HMGs in CoH2 and later in CoH3 would have a "handbrake" mode like the vehicles and a manual reload button.
In a lot engagements you are forced to aim at specific units with the HMG, but in the heat of the battle it can happen easily that you missclick the enemy squad by 1 nanometer, giving the HMG a move order instead so it dismantles the MG, forcing you to retreat and lose an important engagement which opens a flank for the enemy... I guess we all know this situation. Handbrake mode would prevent that from happening.
Same for manual reload. The enemy enters the arc of fire of the HMG, the MG fires 1 bullet then immediately reloads cuz it had only one bullet left in the canister, costing you the engagement.
I am 100% sure we even had this mechanic already implemented into the game by MrSmith in a previous balance mod, but it was entirely dismissed for whatever reason.
I voted no. Blobbing is a strategic decision. I'm against restricting it. Often you can't avoid blobbing since some maps offer narrow choke points where you have to keep your infantry together (for example Ettelbrück Station). All maps have cutoff points where it is good to have a high infantry presence. Concentrating your forces is part of gameplay.
The real issue with blobbing is the underperformance of some anti blobbing assets. What annoys me the most is the lack of survivability for all MGs but the Maxim. Seeing BAR, Bren, MG42 blobs walking head on into the MG arc and sniping crew-models while another model is trying to recrew the gun (again and again so that the MG can't fire a single salvo) is bullshit. If that could be fixed it would be a start.
Also some anti blobbing assets are underperforming: Namely the MG34 and Ostwind.