I main support mediums but the question applies in general. I usually try to contribute to a 2/1 ratio with twice as many tanks in the city, or 1/1 ratio if both flanks can be pushed. I get decent results, but im sure its really a lot more complicated than that.
Some other criteria that i was thinking could be important are:
Dynamics – If one side is stuck i leave. Even if its the pushable flank, if both teams are just peeking but not moving from cover ill go to where ever the most action is happening currently instead (aggressive friendly or enemy pushes) and support from the closest safe distance.
Lowest number of total tanks – By moving to the flank with lower number of tanks in total, the value you add to that flank is proportionally higher. In a 8v12 your contribution wont change much, but in a 2v3 it will make a huge difference.
Winning/losing flank – Helping on a losing flank could be important to maintain map control, and also grants you defenders advantage. They will have to move out of cover to close in, letting you get some free shots in. Though, in cities its the opposite. By dogpiling in, the team with numbers advantage will have some tanks using 100% of their dpm for free. Random players normally dont get the full use out of this as its hard to coordinate a clean simultaneous push and then have them focus fire.
With everything thats going on in a battle and the unpredictability of the team, im still often left unsure where i should go, since so many things factor into it. I know theres many more elements i havent even mentioned here. What do you guys make the decision based off of?
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/WorldofTanks/comments/t1n12x/city_or_hill/