SU-76 is still confused about its role at 14 min mark where it arrives minute before panther.
fuel cost for the first su76: 50 + 140 + 55 = 245 (or 235 if you go t1)
fuel cost for first panther: 10 + 45 + 55 + 60 + 145 = 315 (if you skip t2 and t3)
you would have to be losing badly to have a panther show up right after your su76. in most games germans will have to get t2 and probably a ht or 222. even if soviets get AT nades or molotovs, su76 will be much faster.
i also dont see whats confusing about its role. it will easily kill light vehicles with its rate of fire and range. if you have problems with weapon teams, it can handle those with barrages. its like a cheap hybrid between the su85 and katyusha.