Get rid of the useless mini game and replace it with a better more in depth tutorial that's accessible right from the main title screen.
I think they should restrict tier 1-3 to players with >5000 battles. By the time you hit 5K battles you will have invested enough time to have higher tiered tanks and have a basic understanding of the game. So some veterans might be upset about being locked out of lower tiers and they will get over it. If we lose veteran tankers due to the fact they can't club the newbies then so be it. Refund the gold for any premium tanks that may be taken away.
I think they should give the first four crew perks by the time you hit tier 4. Attempt to level the playing field a little bit. We know perks make a difference. Maybe even force them to have the certain perks, like BIA, SS, Repairs, track mechanic, but allow them to change them to whatever they want once they hit tier 4 or 5.
I think it would help if they changed the speech lines the tank commander says. If you are getting smashed and you are out in the open he should maybe coach the player saying lines like "Find some cover, we are too exposed" or "Get this tank behind cover now!" If you get shot in the butt the commander should say "They are flanking us, dig in!" I know some speech lines are similar, but maybe it should be more commanding. We tune them out, but new tankers are listening intently. Toggle the speech options in the menu from "Classic" to "Bossy".