What good balance changes were made are so completely overshadowed by pay to win bullshit that the game becomes unplayable as soon as anyone has them.
This opinion originates from some very different points from what I am making, and I do not feel as you do. Calling the problem as P2W is a mistake, you'll "stay in the matrix".
I mean, it's obvious this wasn't beta-tested in the slightest. [...] I have a feeling the balance department and whatever incompetent designed those commanders don't speak to each other much.
I think it was tested plenty, but in a very fuzzy environment with lots of other changes. The problem is not current imbalances, but a business-model that will never allow for balance and metagame. A business model that will not allow for CoH2.org.