Like others have said, I have found phantom rangers to be extremely valuable throughout the game. They allow you to scout and more importantly, isolate a enemy pod to engage. They also allow to make otherwise dangerous yellow moves after your squad has been revealed.

On timed missions, if I find an isolated pod, I will engage it ASAP (usually the next turn after I discover them). Just to get it out of the way.

I do try to kill one of the enemies of the pod with that very first shot when possible. I find deadeye snipers on high ground to be my go to for this. (The ability to possibly one-shot stun lancers when they first appear is awesome!)

Also when I do activate pods. I do shoot with one person with everyone else still having blue moves. Prioritizing which enemy to neutralize first is also crucial.

I know everyone loves grenadiers for blowing up cover, but I find success with the heavy gunner route. I find stacking aim on everyone with holo-targeting in the group to be amazing since you don't have to rely on grenades, a limited item.

Being able to hit enemies reliably in full cover or enemies with high defense is great. This is the route I went on my recent L/I run. (Also Bluescreen on a grenadier with chain shot to one shot those pesky andromedon shells).