To Vertigo - It's actually just 700 HP, and it only bounces 1 in 3 pak shots (1st pak first strike always penetrates, 2nd and 3rd are subject to being bounced by the 50 percent bounce chance, 4th is another first strike).
Overall, the problem with the tank shock pin ability is the fact it keeps pinning squads as it drives forward. If it only pinned for that one milisecond you click the ability, it would be OK. Right now, you can just keep on driving, pinning the entire front line, which is an issue. It's like a 40 munitions, controlable strafing run that you have unlimited uses(on a cooldown) of.
How about you read my post as well as the stats. The Churchill Crocodile is exactly as I described; 900HP for 265 fuel. The Mk IV is 700HP but it barely costs more than a StuG! Also, there's no way to get a "second first strike"; the wehr PaK can't cloak after combat. Only
your ATG can do that.
However, I do agree with your last statement. If the pin was short-lived, so the result was suppression, it would work better. But anything with only a cooldown time for 40 mun that can hold numerous suppression resistant infantry in place for 15 seconds is 1000% more bang than buck.
Also, just because the Croc is a doctrine means nothing. It is still in the price range of the P4 and therefore can be easily spammed. Remember, PP is gone