Ok first of all, the maps are bigger than cod4.
Second, people need to stop comparing it to cod4...its not the same game. It does play the same way because its the same engine. But it is not the same game, weapons are different the campaign is different and theres
many new features.
Third, anybody can equip each others weapons...because in those days soldiers would pick up weapons of their enemies and use em against them. The germans would even rename weapons they took from the red army. Even today, soldiers in Iraq will pick up weapons from insurgents and use them.
Fourth, tanks are never an issue if you have two guys on your team work together to take them out. Equip one of your classes as a tank destroyer. Use fireworks, extreme conditioning, the sticky nade and bazookas or satchel charges.
Two guys with that kit can take out a tank in less than 20 seconds.
Dont play on servers with huge amount of guys if it bothers you. I dont play in servers with more than 24 guys cause it just turns into a big spray/nade fest.
Id rather play on a 14 man server actually.