I am not disagreeing.
But also, this army request is about corps level, not every howitzer. So a lot of options might be possible.
The Erca wasnt every howitzer either.
If you took the time to look at the plan lay out of the ERCA you see there was only to be 1 battery of ERCA per 2-4, division type depending, for the older 39 cal.
The ERCA was to be the unit's long range swing hitter focus on counterfires and priority targets you cant wait for other types like Tac Air or MLRS to roll up to hit. The 39 cal guns would continue to be the main workhorse general do alls as they are.
And speaking as a former counterfire radar operator and specialist that division of responsibility is sorely needed ability. Cause theres so many situations were a FDC has to decide which mission to exacute due to priorities its not funny.
Do you take out the enemy radars or target the supply dump? Or maybe a line unit has a no shit need for support while another being hammer by arty themselves? Or maybe you find out that the general is at an location just in range? Or all of the above?
Thats not the type of issue where having more guns would not fix. Thats due to basically the old saying of, If all you have is a hammer, being in effect.
Having a clear line of responsibility hammer in by capabilities is the best fix for that.
As is the current 52 cal guns do have a barrel wear issue themselves when going for max ranges. Something like 1200 to the 39 3000 to the ERCA 800-900.
When you trying to punt a full size shell at near Tank APFSDS speeds, expect that type of wear.