That same Sherman can plaster an infantry platoon, as its attack strength is not modified by target type. On the other hand, small arms and high explosive fire is handled very well. In particular, high explosive fire from even a lowly mortar can disrupt an infantry platoon, almost unheard of in Panzer Leader. Also, such fire affects all targets in the hex equally. No more diluting of combat strength as in Panzer Leader, just because there are more targets.
More targets produce a target rich environment.
One of the problems with Panzer Leader was the Overrun rule, only partially solved by Opportunity fire. In P44, overruns are far more difficult and less effective. For one thing, the movement allowances of the units are lower, there are no special bonuses for making the overrun. On the other hand, Opportunity Fire is more difficult. In Panzer Leader a unit can shoot at any target which moves or more of its movement allowance while in its line of sight.