Which is why there are more expensive (and mobile) subsitutes for them. Firefly functions as the mobile 17 pounder emplacement, and the centaur AA as the 40mm bofors replacement. Except the mortar emplacement has no conventional alternative...
17 pounder emplacement has flares for blizzards MVGame, and garrisoning is pretty important, so i dont know why they didnt include the fact that in order to use an ability, it must be garrisoned... I thought that was neat.
More expensive... Wow, that Firefly is going to be a rare vehicle indeed since the 17 Pounder costs a lot already. Still, I'm sure it's worth it in the end.
As for the 17 Pounder Flare, I'm sure the British will need to watch their Munitions savings on winter maps. I'd going to take a guess that Flares will cost 40 Munitions. Decent countermeasure though, even if flares staying in the air during a blizzard seems far fetched to me. XD
EDIT: PLEASE let the 17 Pounder manage to hit Pumas this time around!