Um shocks were basically the ONLY underpowered allied CQC inf before the patch. USF CQC inf are monsters. Commandos are great. Pgrens can counter if your opponent fails to dodge the preemptive bundle nade. Flamer pios vs CQC inf? You're joking. They'll get shredded faster than the flames can do any work. I just said how easy it is to get a FHT ambushed. And pathing issues are disgusting in urban areas.
So the tools don't work if the enemy is bmgood enough to not succumb to them.... So you can't counter them if the enemy out plays you?
And yet shocks were (and still are) the most durable and have smoke to negate incoming damage and Supression...
Ass engies have no means to close. If they got up in your guts it's because they walked right up there unmolested and commandos, well they can camo to get there so I'll grant you that. Dictate your engagements. Make them have to close. Make them take the heat.
Flame thrower is a very very good SUPPORT element. Make it PART of your defense.
Also how is it that ass engies are melting you when you close but pgrens are getting obliterated as they attempt to? Is the enemy putting more work into getting their infantry into a range that they can engage effectively than you are?