Provided that I am sure it will not cause "friendly fire" problems (as Z-fire can miss by quite a bit), I usually "brass-up" likely treelines, buildings etc to suppress unspotted enemy in attacks where I am unlikely to surprise the enemy. This is standard practice.
From FM 17-97 Chapter 3
Quote:
Reconnaissance by Fire
When conducting reconnaissance by fire, the troop places direct and/or indirect fire on positions the enemy is suspected of occupying. This action causes the enemy to disclose his presence by moving or by returning fire. The troop commander may use reconnaissance by fire when�
Time is critical.
Natural or man-made obstacles that could be overwatched by an enemy force are encountered.
A suspected enemy position fits the situational template.
Bunker complexes that may or may not be occupied are encountered.
Enemy locations are known.
The disadvantage of the reconnaissance-by-fire method is that the troop will lose any element of surprise it may have had. However, reconnaissance by fire may reduce the chance of some portion of the troop being caught in an enemy kill zone. Reconnaissance by fire may not always provide the desired effect. A well-disciplined force will resist the inclination to move when probed by weapon fires.
When indirect-fire situations exist, the troop commander ensures scouts are in a position to observe the target area. Once the decision is made to use reconnaissance by fire, weapons should be used in the following priority.
Indirect-fire systems.
Machine gun.
25-mm chain gun or MK-19.
TOW or tank cannon fire.
Reconnaissance by fire does not mean the indiscriminate use of direct and indirect fires at all woodlines and hilltops in the hopes of causing the enemy to react. Not only will the enemy recognize this ploy for what it is and not react to it, but also it wastes valuable ammunition.
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See:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...7/c3a.htm#sec2
1)They tend not to return fire because they get pinned etc. Also see final paragraph in quote above.
2)It does seem to sometimes hit areas where you havn't got line of sight, hence my caveat on "friendly fire" above.