Maybe not. I was simply point out that that they are not a bad unit.
I guess one could try the following:
"Field Recovery Operation" renamed to "Royal Sapper" move "Advanced Emplacement Regiment" replacing
"Defensive Operations".
Ability allow to build Royal sapper from HQ (CP 0 call-in should be avoided since it map depended)
Unit has savage, smoke grenades and come with 5 rifles. Repair speed replaced by 20% repair speed to emplacement plus no damage penalty when repairing.
This should solve repairing issue for the commander.
Can be a thing, but these guy fist need another name, since "royal sapper" is basically stock engineer at least it feel. Something like "Garrison engineer", idk.
But then, Will they still get salvage ? I dont think it fit the Commande's theme anymore. Smoke grenade also dont get along if they are mean to stick around and support emplacement. At the end, turn those bonus into passive for stock engineer is more likely to cut it. Unlock bunker (also on tommy), tank trap and some repair speed is more than enough.
On the other hand, recovery sapper are mean to stick around and support vehicle as far as i believe. I will give in smoke grenade in exchange for critical repair, or event remove emplacement from their construction menu, replace by a repair station. That, and may be Rename then to REME - Royal Electrical And Mechanical Engineer.
Further more, demolition sapper, who already exist, can be introduced and will be the guys to carry smoke grenade, going to royal engineer replacing flamethrower.