The Sherman M4 dinfinately wasn't advanced when it came out, seeing as the tiger came out the same year and panther later that year which the Sherman couldn't penetrate with its short gun.

Nor did it have a high-velocity gun - hence why the British modified their versions to include a much more powerful 17pounder gun (Sherman firefly).

When the Sherman came out it was a capable tank against the PZ 3s & 4s but they had both been out a few years by that point.

Also the Sherman wasn't nicknamed 'Tommy cooker' & 'Ronsons' for nothing, it was prone to setting on fire once hit due to poor ammo storage.

The best thing about the Shermans was there was large numbers available, it did become a good tank once a upgraded and modified but it didn't start that way.