They do this every time... With every update they increase the grind more and more. They frustrate and test their players to find out how much they can squeeze out of them while keeping their avg reviews over 70%... The players should have realized this years ago. I have been playing for over 10 years
Right now if you wish to be a tanker and play at even mid tiers or higher it is just not sustainable. You won't have fun there as a f2p AND a new player. Stay away from WT and if you do try it and want to have fun, stay at lower tiers. There are still a lot of vehicles to try out there. And do not spend a dime on this game. They do not deserve your money anymore