I would like to make a minor addition to my post; I still consider SPMBT a enjoyable game to play even with the AFV relegated to support status. I have learned to live with this fact and have adopted a combined arms approach that minimizes losses to AFVs and maximizes losses to infantry (because infantry are cheaper its better to lose them. The combined arms approach works if you have something like a Merkava in modern times. This approach also works if you simply prefer to play in premodern times before TI ATGMS become a threat.
As for fighting size 0 TI ATGMS with aging soviet bloc "shiny toys" (that have been upgraded) I have not figured out a way that works to protect them while still deploying them in battle.
If someone has then I would very much appreciate hearing how to deal with it
Sincerely,
Andrew Nault