Can't disagree more, I always have 2 shield up front as I breach, well unless I am doing the blow up door method, its never ever caused more than 1 casualty at worst, I can't remember the last time an alien opened the door before me. My preferences in the later game is to have my tank blow the door with snipers/heavys far enough back.
(agree with the rest mind, going to check out the rocket launcher sniper combo tomorrow )