[snake]

Joe,
I know what you mean but the solution, IMHO, is realistic and that is to preceed your advance with plenty of supressive artillery fire then move in. I've found that the defender is usually suppressed enough that every squad you move against them doesn't get shot up and routed. Then just keep after them. If you have engineers, then turn off the rifles so you can 'light them up!' before they retreat.
If you are unsure of their positions, use a rolling barrage that you follow - not too closely.....
And don't forget that a spotter plane or two can tell you a lot before you lay down the barrage...