Smolensk '41 artillery and its effects

[Baron von Michael]

I am using one of the original "big" three (classics?) games to get interested in the games again. Playing some small S'41 scenarios to get the blood pumping. I have a question for everbody.
Why is it that artillery is not an area attack weapon in this game? Why does it strike only units you pick out, instead of attacking all units in the hex?
I am aware that I could set the "Optional Rule" to attack all units in the hex. But, the original has artillery fire set up for a specific reason and using the "Alternate Indirect Fire Rule" was not a made a "default" rule for a reason.

Here is a quote from Designer's Notes:
"Artillery, of course, is the 'big killer' on the battlefield and it can make or break your attacks. In the offense, you should prioritize artillery for counterbattery, and then against the units you wish to assault. Disrupted units defensively fire at half strength so several artillery strikes against a defender can sometimes achieve this. In the defense, you usually want to use your artillery to disrupt those units that have not been disrupted previously, as disrupted units cannot close assault. If the attacker is not assaulting you, then you are holding ground and firing back, increasing his 'fatigue' level and causing casualties and disrupting him."

The above quote doesn't really answer my question, included it for information purposes. Anybody have input? Just curious. Thanks. Mike.