Those are pretty good FMs IMO, lord-b. The other way to look at it is to build them around FF values. If you're placing BMs, you still may want to get close enough to support the assault, so Exterminators and thunderers are a good combo of IC for initial prepping, and then adding a number of 3+ in FF for support of an assaulting FM. This build is even cheaper than with standard LR and the shorter range isn't so much of an issue if you use them in close coordination with other tank comapanies. I tend to add a hydra to my tank companies to make air attacks more difficult.
Unfortunately, maxing out the other way, on AT fire, gets helluva expensive with the vanquishers, executioners, and tank hunters. But a nice shadowsword company can take that role instead (always thought it was funny how a SH company is the bargain choice in a minervan list

)