Cover right now isn't exactly worth much. I believe I read somewhere that a Relic design decision was to lessen the effects of cover because it was seen as too powerful in the original game.
Seen by who? Relic noob players? Because i have never seen community complaining about cover being too powerful.
Buildings cover are ok as they are IMO. its more realistic. to get the unit out of it you need flamers, mortars, heavy vehicles...I like how we see mortars more often now.
But I agree on most of what you wrote.