Thanks for the responses, guys!
Here's the only gameplay I've found online, a few patches out of date:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT1Gji3IgDk
I'm planning on doing an overview video, not sure if my gameplay would be watchable.
Selvy- thanks for playing. The AT gun's AP rounds should be a toggle, unless that's bugged. It works well with the Coordinated Strike Zone (this is a very powerful ability, and Japan's late game kind of relies on it). For even heavier armor, the suppression-ignoring squad (Gyokusai) is best. 230 penetration, good deflection damage.
The tanks are different- the Ha-Go, for instance, is in between the T-70 and M5 in terms of AI vs AT. It also gains no vision with vet, since it is not a scout tank, but a raider.
As far as lack of repair goes, it's meant to promote a hit-and-run style. Gyokusai, who can benefit from Japan's good on-field reinforcement, take the meatshield role as well.