Milo im not finished read my book yet so i dont know, but early in the book it mentioned the Tank Brigades hated them out on the open Steppe. The panzer would just park themselves and has a field day on the Sherman's because there Guns couldn't do damage at long range, unlike the German guns. Then also the Fact Stalin was being an Idiot and letting his troops retreat also made it worse. in City fighting in Sure the Shermie was much more useful.
Yes from what i know karnak, all sides did this starting with the Germans. Panzer Division were based on the idea of Supporting infantry in a Lighting war. I really dont know all thatm uch about Russian tanks in Infantry Support, but i would guess it is for Infantry Support.
Sherman's Called in Tank Destroyer's when they Met Tigers and that Kinda Stuff.