It would be unfair that I could deploy a better tank than a PzIV at the same price without wasting fuel for teching. Also, not teching means one engineer not having to return to base and being free to cap, wire or lay mines, to sum up with the 90 fuel surplus.
Except, 34/85 is is not a better tank. One have hp to stand for 1 more shot, another one have AA and armor allowing to deflect more shots, provides some AA and have rocket engine at vet1, which can be bought.
They are pretty much on same power level, except one can arrive at 9-10minte and the other can be seen no sooner then 14 minute.
Yes, you lock yourself in a doctrine and you need the required CPs, but the early game advantage this commander gives (Cons spam + PPsH + Radio Interception) makes somewhat balanced (at least on the paper, I still haven't used it).
At the cost of not having elite infantry. Again, no advantage here, only different opening.
Having doctrinal and affordable medium tanks makes a great sinergy with T1+T2 strategies, so I find balanced that little overprice in the single T34/85.
You'll be getting a P4 at the time Panthers arrive and at similar to panther fuel cost.
Again, its not as pretty as you make it sound. You give up few minutes for not having a tank when your opponent does have one of exactly same strength already on field, for less.
I don't mind 34/85 being at 9cp, but I don't think 130 fuel is a fair price for something as strong as P4 that arrives much later.