I currently have 3 Rubicon kits which I use for wargaming. I really like them. I believe they are on par with the Warlord/Italieri kits. First I don't want 1/48th scale, because on the table for wargaming they are frankly too big for any game using LOS rules. Secondly I don't want a hundred pierces for my tank. If I did I would buy 1/48th scale. I love that tracks are one solid piece.
As for the Panther, in Bolt Action, especially if your are playing competitively, you'll never see one, as the point cost is too high. I question why they even made one in plastic. I like Rubicon, because they put out tanks that have never been in 1/56th plastic, and I feel they are putting the pressure on Warlord.