the 221 is a utility vehicle... it gets plenty of abilities for its price like healing drops recon and vet 1 smoke and can become a cache upon upgrading... its perfect for chasing down retreating squads and blunting T1 aggression before sov can get the guards out... its not overpowered like JLI but its stronger than you think...
You don't need guards, M3 and Universal Carrier both can win one-on-one with 221. And M3 only cost 5 fuel and UC cost no fuel. You can try that in cheat mode.
For utility, 221 can only dispatch medic, nothing more. M3 and UC can transport infantry. I think transport ability is useful for a vehicle who can not capture. Don't you think so?