Why not just get a panzergren and get double shreks? Aecs don't have much health. It takes a total of 95 gas to get one and that slows the medium tank by a large factor... I honestly don't think AEC is outrageous. and there are plenty of ways to counter... like an AT gun.
its surviveability is huge. it surives 3 pak shots, has non doc smoke and 50 sightrange (all other lights have 35 for comparison)