I think the way that COH2 handles map vision is a big design problem. You have these "maphack" commander abilities (radio intercept), the occasional maphack unit (OKW searchlight HT), you have these long plane flyovers that loiter forever and give practically 100% map vision, you have these unit abilities (vet T-70, axis spotting scopes) that give huge map vision, and you don't really have any dedicated scouting units. Of all of these, I like the T-70 the best, because at least there is some skill required to get it some vet and move it around to scout effectively.
But really what's lacking is a dedicated scout -- a fragile unit that can cloak and scout the map at risk of being revealed. A unit that requires multitasking micro skill and cunning strategy to gain important intel. I would so love for all those press-a-button-for-maphacks to be nerfed and some real scouting units added. Remember the cloaked PE ketten from COH1? The snipers on hold fire behind the lines? The rare insanely micro'd vetted American jeep? I really miss those tactics in COH2. It's like a whole fantastic aspect of RTS is just gone.
I think you get at an under mentioned weakness of the game. GJ.
But please, no invisible kettens! That those things could scout, move quickly, and detect mines for themselves, all while cloaked, made them just the kind of unit you described in your first paragraph, too powerful as a scout with too little counterplay.