Thanks Pip and fair point. I accept the limitations of automated reaction fire but wonder if there could not be some facility whereby Hold Fire saves shot(s) for use against a direct (threatening) attack rather than loosing off pot shots at distant half tracks and/or infantry.
In passing my Tiger ...

Hoping for an explanation of the rules and limitations of the Hold Fire option. I guess it is designed primarily for ambushing but I had hoped that it would also avoid valuable tanks squandering shots and then becoming vulnerable to "suicide" attacks with no ability to return fire? Slightly galling ...