+1
I think exactly the same, it shouldnt be too hard to code the smoke pot to spawn a few meters in front of the tank and a little (realistic) delay too.
As an upgrade sounds too controversial, unless it is dirt cheap (40 muni or so) since you already pay each time you use it. Maybe turning smoke into a expensive upgrade (100 muni) and making it free will reduce its "spammability" at least on every single OST armour. LVs would never use it tho
If it was an upgrade I'd have it cheap, like 25-30mu cheap and maybe knock 5-10 off per use but I personally prefer the slight delay and front firing. Maybe still knock a smidge off its price if we go that road too.