Ach, this discussion has been going on for years, if not decades. For a relatively recent thread (2016) on this topic check the link below.
Yes, the new rule will make it more difficult to attack, and without arty preparation it's possible to burn out a whole platoon in order to get one squad to "stick" after coming adjacent to an enemy. Yet it is more realistic (how can you z-fire through buildings and trees to the hex beyond if direct fire can't?) and it removes a significant exploit.
It does seem stricter than Weasel's optional rule, which IIRC allowed it to one hex beyond LOS. In which case it presents a challenge to players (like me) who got in the habit of using z-fire with tanks to prepare advances in close terrain or limited visibility.
Regardless of this controversy the new patch promises to be a cornucopia of added pleasure with new scenarios galore. Thanks guys!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showt...ghlight=z-fire