Originally the mechanized company had the arty barrage as a unic ability and Mr.smith couldn't remove it because the commander has been sold with the feature.
Would you agree to see the TA remove from its commander after buying it? nop, so same for the arty barrage. Fortunately or unfornately, the ability can't be removed from the doctrine unless you give in exchange something better.
That is simply false. The same commander had the unique ability "Withdraw and Refit" which was removed
About the WC51 raw performance, the unit is carrying the doctrine at the moment. You're only buying the Sherman 76 because you had a good start with the jeep, Cav Riflemen are only interesting because the WC51 is there to open the path.
Even if that was true it would be even more reason to nerf the WC51 since it makes the commander a one trick pony.
Is it too cheap? Well it's difficult to make it more expensive than a Kubel since it lacks of combat capability before upgrade.
if that is problem have start with a gun.
Remove the crew? Difficult to understand the reason why, we're not talking about the pershing which is unic or Calliope/Priest where the player could abuse it to spam them.
It is not really difficult to understand. It makes the unit more balanced.
Disable its loading function once upgraded? that's not a nerf for it but for the Cav Riflemen
It is a nerf to the unit, cav R can still you the m3 and one would have even more reason to built the m3
Reduce its raw dps performing stats? I don't see them overperforming, the .50 cost 45 munitions which delay CaptBAR or LtZook, that's a clear trade off.
Yes it does over perform, it even has a longer range. It also arrives sooner the infantry weapons
The WC51 is still vulnerable to anything having a gun and usually disapear once a 222, a luch or HTAA hit the field. You most likely have to build a new one to use the barrage ability so adding a 200mp cost to the barrage.
So is Kubel. If one can not protect one's WC51 one can still disembark and use the crew to cap and repair. Then one can still use mark target or barrage when one needs it.
WC51 is over-performing for cost and the commander ability simply provides too many things.