Yes, it got massively buffed.
It have SU-85 penetration, 400hp and bigger cost.
Its full valid light TD.
Holy shit. I used it a couple times but figured I just got lucky on the penetration. (Mostly shot guys in the butt so I wasn't surprised when it penetrated.)
For how long haven't you been playing?
Novemberish last year was the last replay I uploaded, so probably about then. Played 70 hours in the last 2 weeks or so though. So roughly a year gap.
...Why are you even giving your input on the current state of Soviet progression if you have not played since before the July patch?
I've played 70 hours in the last two weeks, about 1/4 of that is with Soviets. I just never noticed a difference with the Su76 using it and never saw anyone use it against me when played Germans. (But you know, I learned a long time ago to not try and use it against medium armour so I only used it from the rear and thought I got lucky on pen) I still don't like that tech is basically linear now, I quite liked having the versatility Soviets used to have.
It certainly seems like a more valid unit now. I'll have to experiment with some new build orders.