Actually I’m the only one in my games who uses mortar units. They tend to get dissed even tho I tag enemy pieces w/ them. I think the inaccurate SA makes them sound weak, but when you figure successes count as doubles…the potential is devastating.
So yes, I use them at the limit of their range, and always from cover. I’ve taken out Humbers w/ them on occaission, damaged Stuarts from behind. They are highly undervalued, I think…not point-wise, but as pieces worthy of adding to the army. The trick, as you pointed out, Dave, is in the magic hexes. But since mortars are cheap enough, they can supplement intimidating pieces which are much more likely to draw enemy fire.
Also, keep them with the Haupsturmfuhrer of course, and an MG-42 for the double shot long.