Was tying it to the Mills Bomb unlock discussed?
Yes, this was discussed and is still on the table.
The rationale for trialing these two changes for the Brits is as follows.
1) People are saying Brits are struggling in certain modes. The latest balance patch altered some units that Brits were leaning on. This is born out in data.
2) Sentiment suggests Brits in particular struggle with light vehicles due to lack of snare.
3) We don't want to just give tommies a snare. IMO that would be a lazy change that ruins asymmetry. It would also tip the scale in the other direction, making Brits too potent against light vehicles, considering the other anti LV compensations in their arsenal.
4) Hopefully some combination of Sapper snares, Tommy light AT mines, in addition to the pre-existing compensations (aec shot, sniper, 6 pounder bonus) will amount to giving the Brits similar early-game anti-vehicle capability relative to the other factions. We just need to find that sweet spot.
The great thing about this test phase is we can make sure we get this right, because as others have pointed out, it is a potentially big change for the game. If it is too oppressive, maybe we make it require nade tech as you say. Another option is locking out piats for squads with the snare, and vis versa. Maybe only one of the new snare & mine changes is necessary.
We're definitely looking for feedback on this in particular, so all thoughts welcome, especially if peeps have played the mod.