What about the m20? Does that also cost 60+fuel?
It got durability upgrade, without it small arms can take it down and it has significantly less health then 222 out of the gate.
In addition, it can engage infantry exclusively, contrary to infantry, lvs and planes 222 can engage(ok, maybe M20 can shoot at planes too, but 222 can actually take them down with relative ease).
Not really
M20
Armor: 11/5.5 Health: 240
Skirts
Armor 16.5/8.25 Health 320
222
Armor: 9/4.5 Health: 320
Unupgraded M20 has less EHP vs 1 pen small arms then 222, upgrade cost is worth more then 10 fuel.
Its not "fuck ton less health", but its 240 EHP vs 1 pen weapons in favor of 222.
222 also has massive advantage in durability against any kind of AT weapons due to having that extra health.
Skirted M20 got more EHP, but resources combined, it also costs more at the end and its firepower stays meh at best.