I have two tier 8s, the T-44 and the IS-3 (I know they are completely different) but are my favorite to play for now - and also don't have time at the moment to start going deep down other lines.
I have done pretty well with the T-34-85 and the T-43, staying moving and pumping in damage where I can. The 43 even makes a decent makeshift spotter if needed sometimes with the speed, and the ROF is just fun.
I have had a lot of good damage games in the T-44, and try to keep moving as much as I can. The only time I stay still intentionally is when a good target presents itself and I have enough cover to get 2+ shots off and whittle the hit points some.
Where I need advice is how to best utilize this tank to support the team. I've noticed a lot of premium drivers on both red and green teams who I suspect didn't work their way up the tiers. Heavies pulling out side ways, not aiming, taking tours of the map alone and getting killed first... etc. Since that's inevitable, what's the best way to handle this thing, that differs from its predecessors? Are there any particularly good videos on this tank to watch? I've checked youtube and most of what I have found is very old, many patches ago and I understand everything has changed since then. I try to zip around supporting others, but too often I end up supporting someone who couldn't have been helped anyway.
Thanks in advance!