I went back to 6.7 and did some messing around now that I’m better(?) at the game than the last time I grinded UK and I feel like the Ratel is either fine where it is or could go to 7.0. I didn’t once use the MILANs, instead using the autocannon to prey on casemate TDs and break barrels. This is probably because I prefer the Charioteer, and the Ratel came second in my lineup (I did go down to test the Ratel, but also wanted to have some fun), so in the late-game missiles do fall out of favour compared to guns. I do have to mention I didn’t get any of those 5.7 downtiers (curse the snail) but if I did I’d be gunning for the Tortoise since it becomes impenetrable unless you see Tigers or the Charioteer since the APDS has very little it can’t pen.
The MILANs can’t be fired on the move as far as I’m aware (I have just tested it as of writing), and in my experience the Marder’s cannon is relatively reliable for a simple reason: its BR. 6.7 is the realm of heavy tanks both for the US and USSR, so the Ratel sits in a tough spot with its autocannon (which did get some use in in my recent games I played to refresh my memory, so it’s not all bad), but at 7.7 the Marder starts facing other very light autocannon vehicles whilst also having a laser rangefinder. The amount of times I’ve been sniped by a Marder’s autocannon in the AMX-10RC and MARS-15 borders on skill issue, but the Ratel doesn’t face those vehicles, instead dealing with “shell shattered” spam vs T29s. Even in downtiers, the cannon doesn’t see much use because, in my experience, nobody really plays light tanks unless it’s to rush spawns at game start, get a couple kills and die. Meanwhile, at 7.7, modern IFVs become a thing, and armour appears to matter a bit less, resulting in the Marder’s autocannon being better (at the BR) than the Ratel’s.
7.7 would mean the Ratel quickly becomes irrelevant due to the presence of better vehicles serving the same role (while I don’t like the Scimitar, the Fox lives in 7.7 players’ minds rent-free). I do like your point about 7.0, but 7.7 would mean it falls out of favour due to it simply being too big with smaller and faster alternatives that get APDS rounds, giving them a use with their autocannons. I’ve never been a fan of autocannon vehicles but was unfortunate enough to play around with the Scimitar, and I’ll happily say its cannon is miles better than the Ratel’s, even though realistically it’s subpar for the BR. With some adjustments (horsepower, getting a laser rangefinder, better ammo belts), the Ratel could definitely sit at a higher BR, even 7.7 like you say.
7.7 UK is also pretty saturated as it is in my memory, so I don’t think more vehicles are needed at that BR. Either way, it’s a fun little rat tank to scurry around in, giving you a nice break from the behemoths that are the Tortoise and FV4005. You have some good games too, enjoy your grind and good luck getting that Leopard.
