A Firefly backing a Churchill is a pretty mean combo, much better than a Jackson backing a Sherman .
Try adding a command vehicle into the mix. All you have to do is plop down a command universal carrier next to the firefly and it will effectively double the Firefly's rate of fire, making that 10second fire rate much better.
I love penals. They're fun to use and have some cool voice lines.
However with the balance preview, they are a lot less effective vs infantry, due to handheld flame thrower changes and the new squad spacing meaning you will only toast a squad one model at a time. (although this is true for all flamethrower infantry)
I'm sure they'll still be good vs buildings but I think they should change the vet requirements so that you can Oorah! at Vet 1 instead of Vet 2 (who uses trip flares anyway)
Oh my god partisans are lethal.
I hope relic don't go and nerf them into the dirt now. The partisan commander seems like he'd be fun to use to get away from the tank call in meta commanders.
Usually I'd make my AEC the command vehicle when the heavier stuff comes out.
Pop a smoke to cover my lads if we get in trouble and if a vehicle rushes me use the AEC crit shot ability then PIAT the enemy armor