Strongpoint units are one step (16.1, 4th ed). On the other hand, those strongpoints that happen to have an anti-tank factor could very well have an interesting affect on attacking units, if the attackers happen to have an armored carrier/unit involved in the attack. Something to think about (and seems to be a realistic "worry").
While we are on the subject: Whatever is the use of the "unoccupied" strongpoints. They are not even mentioned in the 4th ed rules. (Are they in one of the scenario books?)
There you have it. I came "into" PG after the 4th ed rules came out and don't even have a set of third edition rules. Was sort of "left out of the loop", so to speak. At least THAT question is answered.
I'm not sure I see the problem. All the games which came with strongpoint counters are 3rd edition. There don't seem to be any strongpoint counters in 4th edition games.
... More and more, people around the world are coming to realize that the world is flat!
I have enough trouble trying to remember the 4th edition rules without confusing my tired old brain with 3rd edition "rules" and stuff.... let alone various "house rules" invented solely to further obfuscate matters. A pox on all of it!