idk what game you're playing but it hasn't been a "impenetrable behemoth" since it was nerfed last summer. Also, for 170 fuel it should be really fucking good. If any changes were needed at all, it should've been a cost increase or a unit nerf, but like always another classic knee jerk overreaction patch change.
Old Vet 2 Panther Armor Strength
351 frontal armor allows it do deflect 60% of the KV-2's 320 damage shells
351 frontal armor allows it do deflect 57% of the ISU-152's 240 damage shells
351 frontal armor allows it to deflect 52% of the IS-2's 240 damage shells
351 frontal armor allows it to deflect 52% of the SU-85's 160 damage shells
Anything crappier than that can drive off of a bridge.
And it was non-doctrinal for such a counter against heavy tanks... Yeah, no. Soviet stock tanks had no chance against the panther, especially when it can zoom around with blitz and demolish everything, and then safely blitz back.