How does one play the Russians?

[HMCS Rosthern]

I know this question depends on what game one is playing and whether the Russians are on defense or on attack. I was playing Russian the H2H Clash of Steel at Prokhorovka (PBEM Scoring)_Alt against Rui and I lost decisively (total point 3325 Axis Major Victory). Now I know this game is balanced since it is an H2H scenario, so I must conclude that I played the Russians poorly. I have played other games as Russian, and have had the same problems.

Here are my observations.

1. No matter how much I stacked in any one hex, and even with entrenchments, my units melted away. The Germans would hit me continuously with artillery, and direct fire, with the sometimes air units. Quickly the units would disrupt and then the assault would dislodge me from my hex.
2. The infantry was ineffectual. A stack of three Russian battalions firing against a single German battalion would typically generate 1-5 men losses per shot, while a single shot from the German battalion would take 10-20 men, if not more. It was better not to fire at all.
3. Digging was no help. In fact, if I prepared entrenchments behind my line, the Germans would just assault their way into the entrenchments. Even though I retreated into an entrenchment, the Germans would benefit from their newly claimed entrenchment. I even thought the best solution was to not build entrenchments, so that the Germans would have to advance over open terrain, so that each shot by the Russians would yield the most casualties. Moreover, I would try to only fire my artillery on infantry that was in the open to maximize the results. I avoided firing on armor since it had little effect when I tried.
4. Massing my tanks seemed to be the only way to get initiative, but the way the scenario is constructed, it’s hard for the Russians to maintain their balance so they can concentrate a reserve. It was only near then end when the reserves came in that I could get a sufficient armor reserve.
5. I think I did not pay enough attention to ensuring that my units were close to their HQs, which likely further compounded my problems.

In conclusion, I am not making a criticism of the scenario. If anyone would like to make some comments on how to play the Russians on defense in general, and in particular in the Kursk game, it would be appreciated (by me and I am sure others).