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This isn't a tech issue... it's more a tech question. The Grille as used in the game only allows for direct fire, this is incorrect. The Grille was 15CM Howitzer and should be an indirect fire weapon. To provide only direct fire capability misuses the weapon system and forces you to expose it to direct counter-fire, which its armor is not designed to deflect.

Is there a way to alter the characteristics of the Grille and other artillery?

The Grille could fire indirect, but howitzers (the Grille included) do not fire at high angles like a mortar, so the minimum range for howitzer indirect fire was beyond the size of any of the maps in Close Combat.
 
The Grille was typically a regimental level weapon in Panzergrenadier regiments, and there were cases where it would be used as a direct fire weapon.  This is why it was included in the game.  But you're correct -- it's not a tank, and won't do well if you use it that way.
 
Steve