The Helldiver is judged to have matured after the dive-bombing war for which it had been designed had largely passed. It could carry bombs farther than fighters loaded with similar ordnance, giving it a useful range advantage. The Avenger could carry more bombs, while fighters such as the Corsair competed for other strike missions. That left the Helldiver in an awkward middle role: capable of several missions but seldom the preferred aircraft for one of them. It also lacked the famous early-war battles that established the Dauntless's reputation.
Notable Point · 21:06-24:03
Why range could not give the Helldiver a unique mission
The Helldiver could take bombs farther than fully loaded fighters, but the Avenger carried more and fighters covered lighter strikes, leaving it without a signature role.