The snail refuses to fix the matchmaking system or address the cheaters. A private third party is actually responsible for catching more cheaters in one month than the War Thunder staff have caught in a decade. They make sure you lose so you'll think you have to spend money to win.
Not only is it pay to win, but Gaijin knowing lets people with cheats and hacks installed play. Sure, they ban a couple here and there, just for looks - but they're back with more cheats (including many top-level players) within a week. The snail figures you'll pay to get better vehicles when you keep losing, but you can't win without cheats and hacks.
The game is ok as long as you don't expect a fair play - just don't waste your money on it. Play for free until they fix the ridiculous matchmaking and cheating issues.