Here's an idea.
Turn the E8 into a Jumbo instead.
Slower speed, more armor, same gun as live.
That would actually give the USF a meatshield capable of being a good combo with the Jackson, similar to how the Churchill-Firefly combo is for the Brits.
Gives the USF a role in team games as well and everybody is happy since the E8 will have a more distinct direction compared to the 76.
um. my opinion is so different to your plan. i think that ez8 isnt good to change jumbo. otherwise 105m Sherman is so similar jumbo's role rather than ez8. changing 105 Sherman to jumbo is better than change ez8 role.