I mean it's not like it needs to be an all or nothing thing. It could easily be only available to certain units if need be.
Alternatively we could just add like a 3 second drop time on the current smoke so it doesn't act as an autoattack shield you use after you take a shot.
Even 1 second so it's not a panic ability really. I like the sherman and brit tank smoke because it can be used defensively or offensively both with proper planning and micro. It reward the player for thinking on the fly and reacting to the battle dynamically. It raises the skill ceiling for the player vs panzer tac which hoists the floor. Even a 1 second delay then it requires more than a panic click for safety and requires a plan to disengage.