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My recollection of earlier version behavior was that a combat victory would always increase an attacking unit's morale until some other restraint was reached. Also,
9.1.1. GROUND UNIT MORALE CHANGES The morale of a unit will increase when it is successful in combat (holds on defense or retreats the defender when attacking).

In 1.03-5, successful attacking unit morale increases are the exception rather than the rule (trying out a few Axis stacks at start of 1941 scenario, it only seemed to happen about 20% of the time).

Was this change in the morale increase mechanic planned (and in some earlier revision I missed reading through them) or a bug?

Yes, it was planned, and in my opinion, was overdone. It makes it much more difficult for the Axis to maintain momentum in the early months, since their mobility advantage is essentially nerfed by the higher movement costs that their units are now paying to enter enemy territory. Previously, the morale inflation, due to the won battles allowed a great deal more mobility, and a higher combat strength entering the winter.

On the flip side, the Soviets don't get the runaway morale they were getting in the Winter.