I don't know if my internet connection is the issue here, but for the last couple (around 3 maybe) weeks I've had very noticeable input lagg. It messes up micro (nade dogdes, kiting) to a degree that I can't really enjoy the game right now. I wonder if others have been experiencing the same.
I think performance wise its fine. Comes out of t2 and imo shouldn't serve as a damage platform unupgraded. But given that light tanks/AC's are still quite the threat the thing that scares me away from using it (as a reenforcement plattform) is the price of 30 fuel. On the other hand its an appropriate resource threshold for the flamer ht which ,as deadly as it is, should not come to early. So I agree that adding some utility to the stock version to justify its squishiness ,lackluster dps and fuel cost sounds like a good idea (it already has infantry detecion but that doesn't really contribute that much to its role imo).
FRP would be an option although I'd prefer keeping the unit specialized in direct infantry-support. Maybe an active healing-aura ability similar to the US ambulance (but at a munition cost, something like 25).
I personally like the combined arms approach of the faction, working different units classes in unison just feels the most rewarding when you pull it of (although its also more punishing if you mess up). Since Ost has a lot of (somewhat viable) options theres also a lot to play around with in terms of army composition and build orders - although most of the time you'll probably loose without mobile defense, mechanized assault or some other meta commander .