That’s a fabulous question.
I hope some of our fellow forum members will reply too.
I’m not an expert or guru on any of this stuff. I dislike research, can’t read German or speak German, so only have limited knowledge on the topic.
With that said, my .02 worth…
Many of the folks that made up the rules on WW2 German AFV’s in 1970’s, 1980’s & into the 1990’s didn’t have enough information available. Plus there’s actually a fair number of internet clowns pushing bad narrative. Maybe to sell their wares, crappy kits or be regarded as a guru etc.
Example this “discovered” picture from a scrap yard, proved “the Panther F was produced and saw action” in the WW2.
Picture is a photo chop from the early 2000’s or so. It still circulates on occasion. There’s a photo of a Panther G in the real picture where the wishful thinking F resides.
I usually try not to entrench my views. I like ask someone for supporting information or documentation if I see something peculiar looking.
Credibility wise, what’s credible?
A) War time photos, undoctored of course. German language documentation from the war, especially from manufacturer etc.
Be warned, some dolts will still argue the real pictures are wrong. It’s happened several times to me. Luckily, I had multiple reference pictures or Jentz & Doyle to shut them down and shut them up.
B) I’d just ask my friend Rick P. who was a walking Encyclopedia of WW2 German AFV knowledge. He had access to real researchers plus five bookcases stuffed floor to ceiling with every worthwhile German AFV book etc.
C) Find the credible authors.
Who’s a credible author? Model forums really help point one in the right direction.
On Tigers, that’s Jentz & Doyle, they have proved so in my experience. David Byrden, has proved credible as well.
What makes them credible?
If new information calls into question an old finding, they investigate and on occasion issue revised information. That’s a sign of someone seeking truth. The body of their work will reflect this over time.
Despite this being an 80+ year old subject, new information still comes to light on occasion.
There are other well proven excellent sources like Achtung Panzer #1 to #6, but these aren’t necessarily 100% perfect.
D) Accept that the fine points in many of our favorite references from the 60’s,70’s, 80’s & even 90’s may have been over turned by new information. While I still occasionally use Panzer Colors I, II & III it’s mostly for the pictures as the written text has in many cases been superceded. The books are still a valuable starting point but not definite.