I know they didnt get buffed, and I feel like I read somewhere that the chances of their flamethrowers blowing up increased, but I have used vehicles (Brit M3), and if they get close enough, they delete it. My point is, I have to devote all my attention to the guastatori when they hit the field. Whereas the enemy can essentially just A-move them and profit.
That's how churchills and matildas feel to axis players.
Yet they are being killed.
Gustatori are shock troops from coh2 and you counter them the same way.
Keep distance, use vehicles, focus fire.