It cant flee instantly since it takes a short moment before it moves.
No, it doesn't for couple of years now.
Smoke is good for concealing but the reason why it has while the USF AA does not is because it has to be stationary.
USF AAHT also has to be stationary for main cannon to fire and it can't turn 360 degree around.
Does not neccessarily make it better.
Nope, but it gives it more utility that can help save not only itself, but other retreating squads as well, its not like it wasn't used like that when fielded on tournaments.
I guess many took it the wrong impression and that is why it was nerfed as it currently is. Cuz it has smoke while the other does not.
It was nerfed, because it murderfucked everything while pinning in first burst.
The nerfs were all justified after it was overbuffed.
There is nothing wrong with it at the moment.